Holiday travelers flock to IHG Hotels for post-festivity retreats

Monday, December 18, 2023

Amidst the festive season’s hustle and bustle, the joy of reconnecting with loved ones brings excitement and anticipation. However, a recent survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts suggests that along with the joy, there may also be an unexpected need for additional rest.

The survey, conducted in collaboration with OnePoll and gathering responses from 2,000 U.S. holiday travelers, revealed that 71% of participants expressed a desire for a separate vacation after spending time with family to unwind and fully relax. The respondents indicated preferences such as taking a nap in a cozy, spacious bed (60%), enjoying a jacuzzi soak (46%), or booking a calming spa day (42%).

Connor Smith, Vice President of Masterbrand Strategy at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “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. When that happens, people want to relax and be taken care of, enjoy free breakfast from Holiday Inn Express or a glass of wine at Kimpton’s social hour and not worry about cleaning their room in the morning.

Aligned with IHG’s belief that people thrive when well-cared-for, the survey aimed to discern what travelers need most during the hectic holiday season and identify creature comforts that contribute to their ease. For those choosing not to stay with friends or relatives, over half (55%) are opting for hotels, citing reasons like having more personal space (34%), the luxury of relaxation and care by others (34%), quiet time (32%), being themselves (29%), and avoiding post-meal cleanup (27%).

Whether seeking a quiet and clean retreat (86%) or a space to recharge independently (83%), travelers prioritize staying on their terms in a welcoming and caring environment. With 6,000 hotels and 19 brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts embodies the ethos of real people caring for real people, providing guests with control and personal choice.

During the holiday season, hotels can become a home away from home, with 69% of respondents expressing a desire for festively decorated accommodations while traveling. IHG Luxury & Lifestyle hotels in the Americas, for instance, offer Winter Chalet-themed lobby installations, adding to the array of options.

Top 10 reasons travelers choose hotels this holiday season:

1. Have more space to yourself (34%)
2. Relax and be taken care of (34%)
3. Have some quiet time (32%)
4. Be your authentic self (29%)
5. Don’t have to clean up after meals (27%)
6. Get better sleep (27%)
7. Don’t have to make the bed or do any chores (25%)
8. Have room service and eat in bed (24%)
9. Access to more amenities (24%)
10. More space for family and travel companions (23%)

Smith, a representative of IHG, emphasizes that staying at a hotel during the holidays allows travelers to recharge and rejoin festivities on their own terms, offering a break where they can be themselves and leave the rest to the hotel.

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