Hotels Increase Amenities for Guests as Room Rates Rise
Some Amenities Are New to the Industry
DECEMBER 14, 2005. According to a recent analysis by PricewaterhouseCoopers, guests at hotels across the country are now greeted by an myriad of new amenities ranging from increased choices for methods of checkout to higher quality bath amenities and in-room exercise equipment. Hotels are adding amenities to achieve incremental revenues and to respond to increases consumer expectations.
In the US hotel industry sector the national average for room rates was $86.21 in 2004 (based on Smith Travel Research); it will increase to $90.67 in 2005 and is forecast by PricewaterhouseCoopers to increase to $95.31 in 2006.
"As hotel rates increase so do guest expectations for their hotel experiences," said Bjorn Hanson, global industry leader and partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers Hospitality & Leisure practice. "Hotels are responding with amenities that are generally better in quality and often offer guests more than they might expect at a particular price level."
Among the amenities offered, PricewaterhouseCoopers has identified the following, many of which are new to the industry or certain price levels:
Irons and ironing boards at limited service hotels
Wireless high speed internet access at no charge
Flat screen televisions
Choice of traditional bedding or duvets
Top sheets
Bottled water at "reasonable" prices
24-hour business center services
Triple draping window treatments
Kiosks and in-room check out options
Enhanced quality bath amenities such as status branded items and larger soap bars
Cordless telephones
More premium branding of food, beverage and other consumables
Quality sound system (radio and CD player)
Delivery of faxes to guest rooms
Easy-to-use clock radios
In-room exercise equipment (treadmill, exercise bike, stair climbers)
Solutions to the problem of food and beverage items being kept too warm in the cabinet next to the refrigerator (due to the heat from the refrigerator unit)
Enhanced lighting (greater lumens and make-up lights) in bathrooms
Less "clutter' of advertising and other materials
More intuitive controls for lights, in-room entertainment
Areas for guests to cluster and meet
Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is a global leading lodging company based in Bethesda,Maryland, USA, with more than 4,200 properties in 80 countries and territories. Marriott International reported revenues of nearly $14 billion in fiscal year 2014. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 19 brands, including: The Ritz-Carlton®, BVlgari®, EDITION®, JW Marriott®, Autograph Collection® Hotels, Renaissance® Hotels, Marriott Hotels®, Delta Hotels and Resorts®, Marriott Executive Apartments®, Marriott Vacation Club®, Gaylord Hotels®, AC Hotels by Marriott®, Courtyard®, Residence Inn®, SpringHill Suites®, Fairfield Inn & Suites®, TownePlace Suites®, Protea Hotels® and MoxyHotels®. Marriott has been consistently recognized as a top employer and for its superior business ethics. The company also manages the award-winning guest loyalty program, Marriott Rewards® and The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® program, which together surpass 50 million members. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at 
