According to a new holiday travel survey by IHG Hotels & Resorts, 71% of travelers said they’d need a separate vacation after spending time with their family—to unwind and fully relax. Respondents were eager to take a nap (60%), soak in a jacuzzi (46%) or book a spa day (42%).
“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, VP, masterbrand strategy, IHG Hotels & Resorts. “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.
The poll of 2,000 U.S. holiday travelers, conducted by IHG in collaboration with OnePoll, found that more than half (55%) of travelers opting not to stay with friends and relatives are turning to hotels for respite, and the top reasons include having more space to themselves (34%), relaxing and being taken care of by someone else (34%), getting some quiet time (32%), being themselves (29%) and not having to clean after meals (27%).
Whether travelers prefer to stay somewhere quiet and clean to relax (86%), or somewhere where they can have their own space and recharge (83%), it’s clear that traveling on their own terms in a place they feel welcomed and cared for is at the top of the list.
More than two-thirds (69%) of respondents want to stay somewhere festively decorated if they’re traveling.
Top 10 reasons travelers choose hotels this holiday season
- Have more space to yourself: 34%
- Relax and be taken care of: 34%
- Have some quiet time: 32%
- Be your authentic self: 29%
- Don’t have to clean up after meals: 27%
- Get better sleep: 27%
- Don’t have to make bed or do any chores: 25%
- Have room service and eat it in bed: 24%
- Access to more amenities: 24%
- More space for family and travel companions: 23%
“Staying at a hotel over the holidays allows travelers to recharge and rejoin the holiday festivities on their own terms,” said Smith. “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.”
