Comfortable bed tops travellers' priorities

The survey of 2,000 holidaymakers revealed that 89 per cent of 55+ year olds believe a comfortable bed is important, compared to 71 per cent of 18-24 year olds, 70 per cent of 25-34 year olds, 72 per cent of 35-44 year olds, and 80 per cent of 45-54 year olds.

Other priorities varied by age group. Swimming pools, for example, are a high priority for the under-34 age groups, with older adults rating an en-suite rooms as more important. Free Wi-Fi was the top priority for the 18-24 year-olds, while ironing facilities and free TV were important to older generations.

The survey also revealed the top five annoyances for British hotel guests. Rude staff topped the list, annoying 69 per cent of those surveyed, while rooms not being ready and paid for Wi-Fi came in second and third at 45 per cent and 38 per cent respectively.

Other top irritants included limited hotel food choices and being further away from attractions than advertised.

Wi-Fi​

Commenting on the findings, glh chief executive Mike DeNoma said it was interesting to see Wi-Fi rising up the ranks of importance for hotel guests.

“Our research demonstrates that Wi-Fi is so important to our customer that they would rather have free internet than a swimming pool, a TV in the room or even be close to holiday attractions – which is an enormous change from 10 years ago,” he said.

The survey was conducted by OnePoll on  22-24th January 2014