The Hilton Garden Inn Big Day survey was designed to provide insight into consumers’ biggest days, patterns and preferences while traveling. Opinion Research Corporation conducted the survey by phone to 1,020 adults between January 29th and February 1st, on behalf of Hilton Garden Inn.

Key Statistics
Did You Know…
· Sixty-seven percent of people admit to taking things from hotels, though most of the items could be considered “complimentary.” However, almost a quarter (19%) admit to taking less conspicuous things like towels, bathrobes, pillows, lamps and alarm clocks
o Shampoo, conditioner or lotion (52%)
o Pens, paper and notepads (34%)
o Towels or bathrobes (8%)
o Liquor from the mini-bar (5%)
o Pillows, comforters, blankets or sheets (3%)
o Iron, alarm clock, lamps or artwork (2%)
o The bible (1%)
o None (33%)
What is a Big Day When Traveling?
· Seventy-six percent of Americans enjoy celebrating other people’s big days more than their own.
o Women (80%) are more likely than men (71%) to enjoy other’s big days.

· The most popular personal occasions when Americans book hotel rooms involved spending time with others, including:
o Road trips with family/friends (64%)
o Family reunions (49%)
o Wedding anniversaries (43%)
o Graduation celebrations (42%)
o Significant other’s birthdays (40%)

· The most popular business-related occasions when Americans book hotel rooms included:
o Trade shows/conventions (35%)
o Job interviews (22%)
o Client presentations (14%)

When Are Our Big Days?
· Americans prefer to take vacation during the summer months.
o July (26%)
o June (18%)
o August (10%)

· Monday is the most common night for business travelers to stay overnight.

· Thirty-five percent of Americans traveled for business at least once in the last year
o Men are much more likely than women to have traveled for business at least once in the last year (48% vs. 24%)
o Male business travelers average about 10 trips per year, while women only average three business trips per year

What Matters When Traveling?
· Comfort and value for money are the key factors consumers consider when choosing a hotel for a “big day” or vacation. Other important amenities include:
o Best value for rate (80%)
o Comfortable bed (76%)
o Spacious room (60%)
o Full breakfast offering (55%)
o Free Internet/Wi-Fi access (48%)
o Proximity to airport (38%)
o In-room hygiene products (32%)
o Reward/points program (31%)
o On-site gym (25%)

The Pros and Cons of Traveling
· Female business travelers are more likely than male business travelers to miss the comfort of their bed while on the road for business (43% vs. 29%), while men are more likely to miss a home cooked meal (36% vs. 16%). American business travelers also miss the following:
o Bed (34%)
o Home cooked meals (29%)
o Pet (13%)
o Car (7%)
o Internet Access (7%)
o TV or recorded/TIVOed shows (4%)
o A gym (2%)

· Women, compared to men, are more likely to enjoy having someone clean up after them (71% vs. 58%), have breakfast made by someone else (62% vs. 49%), and have the bed to themselves (51% vs. 37%). Americans secretly enjoy the following:

o Someone cleaning up after them (63%)
o Breakfast made by someone else (53%)
o Room to themselves (51%)
o Bathroom to themselves (43%)
o Bed to themselves (42%)
o Sleeping in (36%)
o TV to themselves (36%)
o Indulging in dessert/wine (30%)

Advice from Seasoned Business Travelers
· Experienced business travelers recommend first time travelers get a good night’s rest before a big meeting, and travel the day before a morning meeting. They also recommend:
o Get a good night’s rest (73%)
o Travel the day before a morning meeting (73%)
o Get to the airport at least 2 hours before the flight (65%)
o Make sure the hotel was Wi-Fi/Internet (61%)
o Set two alarms the day of a meeting (53%)
o Check reviews on travel sites before booking (51%)
o Make sure hotel has a meeting space (48%)
o Always stay at hotels that offer/earn rewards points (35%)

Methodology
The Hilton Garden Inn survey was conducted by Opinion Research Corporation via a telephone consumer poll of 1,020 adults, living in private households in the continental United States. Respondents were recruited via a random-digit-dial phone methodology. The survey was completed in February 2010. Results are reported at the 95% confidence level with a margin error of +/- 3%.

For more information on Hilton Garden Inn or its business-related amenities, you can check out www.hiltongardeninn.com.

tags: travel-research, travel-survey, hotel-insights, travel-insights