Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

Survey: Many holiday travelers seeking post-holiday vacation

Travelers seek welcoming and caring places, the survey finds

Survey: Many holiday travelers seeking post-holiday vacation

APPROXIMATELY 71 PERCENT of travelers seek a separate vacation to unwind after family time, according to a recent survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts. The survey found that many respondents prefer to avoid staying with family during their trips as well.

Among respondents avoiding stays with friends and relatives, 55 percent expressed a preference for hotels. These travelers gravitate towards simple relaxation activities, with 60 percent opting for a nap, 46 percent preferring a jacuzzi and 42 percent considering a spa day.


“The holidays often go hand-in-hand with traveling to see loved ones, but as much as we enjoy visiting friends and family, it can leave us feeling drained,” said Connor Smith, IHG’s vice president of masterbrand strategy. “When that happens, people want to relax and be taken care of, enjoy a free breakfast from Holiday Inn Express, or have a glass of wine at Kimpton’s social hour without worrying about cleaning their room in the morning.”

In the survey conducted among 2,000 U.S. holiday travelers by IHG in collaboration with OnePoll, IHG Hotels & Resorts said that 55 percent of respondents opting to avoid stays with friends and relatives prefer hotels. The primary reasons cited include the need for personal space (34 percent), the opportunity to relax and be cared for (34 percent), a desire for quiet time (32 percent), the freedom to be themselves (29 percent) and avoiding post-meal clean-up (27 percent).

The IHG survey revealed a clear traveler preference: 86 percent seek a quiet, clean environment for relaxation, while 83 percent desire a space for personal recharge. It underscored that travelers prioritize a journey on their own terms, seeking places that offer a sense of welcome and care. A majority of respondents, 69 percent, prefer accommodations adorned with festive decorations when traveling.

Top 10 reasons travelers are choosing hotels this holiday season include:

  • More personal space: 34 percent
  • Relaxation and care: 34 percent
  • Enjoy quiet time: 32 percent
  • Be authentic: 29 percent
  • Avoid meal clean-up: 27 percent
  • Improve sleep quality: 27 percent
  • Skip bed-making and chores: 25 percent
  • Indulge in room service and bed dining: 24 percent
  • Access to additional amenities: 24 percent
  • Extra space for family and companions: 23 percent

"Staying at a hotel over the holidays gives travelers the opportunity to recharge and rejoin the holiday festivities on their own terms,” Smith added. “When travelers are ready for a break during or after the holiday season, they can show up as themselves and leave the rest to us.”

In August, IHG Hotels & Resorts launched 'IHG LIFT,' an owner growth program that focuses on providing hotel development support for historically underrepresented groups in hospitality. The initiative aims to promote diversity within IHG's hotel owner community, while dismantling shared ownership barriers.

More for you

hihotels executive team honored for long-term service and loyalty in hospitality

Hihotels recognizes eight company leaders

EIGHT LEADERS OF hihotels by Hospitality International, Inc. are being recognized by the company for their combined 121 years of service. The company was established in 1982 as an alternative to other, established brands.

The honorees include Paul Vakharia, hihotels’ senior director of franchise development for the Northeast Region who has been with the company for 25 years. Chhaya Patel, franchise development coordinator, also has been with the company for 25 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Auro Hotels Launches $2M 'Rama Legacy' Scholarship

Auro launches $2M scholarship for employees’ children

What is the Rama Legacy Scholarship by Auro Hotels?

AURO HOTELS LAUNCHED its $2 million Rama Legacy Scholarship endowment for employees' children, continuing a tradition started by company co-founder H.P. Rama. Several students received scholarships in this inaugural year, reflecting the company’s view that its success depends on its people.

As founding chairman of AAHOA and past chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association, Rama believes the hospitality industry’s strength lies in developing its people, Auro said in a statement. He established the first scholarship under his family’s name in 1998.

Keep ReadingShow less
Colliers: US hotel assets improve in 2025, led by Northeast and Central regions

Report: Hospitality health up on travel, events

What are the key findings from Colliers’ 2025 Hospitality Outlook?

THE FINANCIAL HEALTH of hospitality assets, especially in the northeast and central regions, is improving, driven by leisure travel and the return of conferences and events, according to Colliers. U.S. hotels saw RevPAR rise 2.4 percent, ADR 1.9 percent and a slight uptick in occupancy from April 2024 to March 2025.

Colliers' 2025 Hospitality Outlook report found that some regions are still returning to pre-pandemic demand levels, while others are reaching prior cyclical peaks.

Keep ReadingShow less
Marriott Media Launches to Transform Hotel Advertising in the U.S.

Marriott launches media network

What Is Marriott Media and How It Works?

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL LAUNCHED “Marriott Media”, a media network that connects brands with customers during their travel journey. It draws on first-party data from the Marriott Bonvoy program, which has nearly 237 million members across 9,500 properties worldwide.

Chris Norton, Marriott's senior vice president of marketing, data activation and personalization, will lead the initiative and serve as general manager of Marriott Media, according to a company statement.

Keep ReadingShow less
Wyndham 2025 ad campaign

Wyndham campaign connects brands, rewards program

What is Wyndham’s new hotel campaign about?

WYNDHAM HOTELS & RESORTS launched an ad campaign promoting all 25 of its hotel brands and rewards program under one voice and the tagline: “Where There’s a Wyndham, There’s a Way”. The company’s campaign highlights accessibility, convenience and authenticity across its 9,300 hotels.

The multi-million dollar campaign spans multiple media and reflects travelers’ preferences, from weekend trips to longer drives, Wyndham said in a statement.

Keep ReadingShow less