We all like a little pampering when we travel for work – maybe a cocktail after work, or access to a business lounge to do some work.  For hotels, it’s important to understand what amenities their guests want, especially guests coming in for business, and to respond to those demands.  Hotels.com recently conducted a survey, asking travelers about their favorite in-room and hotel perks.  Tops on the list was free Wi-Fi; 38% of those who responded said that free wireless is a deciding factor when booking a room.  The second most desired perk was happy hour.  Forty-five percent of respondents said they are most satisfied when happy hours, wine tastings or free food are offered in their hotel.

But, it seems as though not all hotels are listening. I have been to San Francisco twice recently, and at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins, I had to pay $15 for wi-fi – per device!  At the Hotel Nikko, guests have to pay $10 to use the hotel fitness center.  These (and other) added costs leave a bad taste in a traveler’s mouth, and will certainly influence where they book next time.

What amenities are most important for you? Would you avoid a hotel if you knew they charged for wi-fi?