Creating the ideal hotel for today�s plugged-in traveler

September 24, 2008 | Hospitality Industry

When guests step into a Hyatt Place hotel, they�re met with an experience that reflects more than two years of extensive research and analysis to uncover the needs of contemporary travelers, 1 in 2 of whom said they were constantly multi-tasking. Now, with nearly 120 properties open and rave reviews from guests, Hyatt Place, ranked �Highest in Guest Satisfaction among Mid-scale Full Service Hotel Brands� in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction IndexSM, shares the insight used to develop its hotels.

�We developed Hyatt Place to reflect guests� needs based on some of the most thorough research we�ve ever conducted about travelers,� said Alison Kal, vice president, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. �We developed a comprehensive understanding of the mindset and habits of contemporary travelers and used that knowledge to create an experience that fosters guests� satisfaction.�

When researching business and leisure travelers, Hyatt Place found that most live a blended lifestyle � little separation between work and personal tasks � whether they�re at home or on the road. Specifically, respondents revealed:

- Work/Life Blend: 90 percent say work overlaps with personal time; 73 percent take work home; and 46 percent admit to taking care of personal matters at work
- Multi-tasking: When working at home, they�re also watching TV (71 percent), surfing the Web (59 percent), eating (64 percent), and making calls (59 percent)
- Self-Service: 68 percent print their boarding passes before going to the airport; and 63 percent use an airport kiosk to check in
- On My Own: More than 60 percent agree that when they travel for business, they enjoy the time to themselves

Hyatt Place also asked travelers what they look for in a hotel experience. Based on these findings, Hyatt developed its design, amenities and service philosophy to allow travelers to transition from their daily 24/7 lifestyle to life away from home in a way that was not possible before.

- Productivity: Half of travelers always look to maximize productivity on the road and 65 percent end up working more hours. At Hyatt Place: Guests can take advantage of the complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, the �e-room� with free access to public computers and a printer with secure remote printing capabilities, or use the oversized desk and ergonomic chair in each room.

- Comfort: 1 in 4 travelers would drive 20 miles out of their way for a hotel �dream� bed, and 62 percent are bothered when there is no place to sit and relax in the room. At Hyatt Place: Guests can stretch out on the signature Hyatt Grand Bed� or the eight-foot Cozy Corner sectional sofa-sleeper, both found in every guestroom.

- Food: Travelers are frustrated by limited choices (59 percent), availability of healthy choices (43 percent) and lack of 24/7 food access (43 percent) . At Hyatt Place: Guests can unwind at the intimate wine and coffee bar serving premium wine and beer and their favorite Starbucks� specialty coffees; pick up freshly prepared sandwiches and salads at the Grab �n Go, enjoy complimentary continental breakfast or head to the Guest Kitchen for freshly prepared snacks and entr�es 24/7.

- Entertainment: Travelers resent outdated hotel entertainment systems (44 percent). At Hyatt Place: Guests can watch favorite shows on the 42-inch, flat-panel, high-definition television or use the innovative Hyatt Plug Panel� to integrate their own personal entertainment media with the TV � including laptops, MP3 players and DVD players.

- Style: 1 in 3 Americans say unattractive hotel design or style is very or extremely disruptive. At Hyatt Place: Both the Gallery and guestrooms were designed for relaxation and productivity and boast sleek, contemporary design. The award-winning Hyatt Place Gallery is an open, innovative space with a coffeehouse vibe; while guestrooms offer separate sleeping, lounging, and work areas.

Hyatt Place staff also plays an important role in making guests� experience from home to hotel seamless. The training all Hosts must master provides them with the tools to interact with guests sincerely and effectively, including being a Host; conversation skills; presenting your best self; how to make a connection; and more.

Travelers are raving about Hyatt Place hotels already open in and around more than 115 locations nationwide, including Atlanta, Chicago, Cincinnati, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston and Tampa. There will be 130 Hyatt Place hotels open by year-end 2008 in key business and leisure markets throughout the country.