How well a trip goes depends on where you stay, as this is where you return to relax and recharge after a long day of exploring. Booking accommodation is no longer solely about ticking off the usual items on your checklist, such as comparing prices, scanning a few photographs on the website, and checking the distance from major attractions.
“Connectivity has moved from being a value-added amenity to becoming part of the basic infrastructure of hospitality. For remote professionals and digital nomads, whose hotel rooms may double as temporary workplaces, reliable Wi-Fi is crucial. But maintaining stable connectivity becomes more challenging when hundreds of guests and hotel systems are connected at the same time.
For today’s traveller, the quality of a stay is increasingly influenced not just by the room, location or food, but also by whether they can reliably connect, work, stream, make calls and access essential digital services without interruption,” he said.
What travellers look for before booking
Pranav Dangi, founder and CEO of The Hosteller, noted that price and location continue to influence accommodation choices, but travellers now also consider a much wider range of factors. “The way travellers evaluate accommodation has evolved significantly. Price and location continue to influence bookings, but they are now only part of a much broader decision-making process. For younger travellers, he added that the accommodation should also align with the purpose of the trip. Someone working remotely may prioritise connectivity and a comfortable workspace. Young people also travel solo, so Dangi highlighted the importance of safety features, social spaces and opportunities to interact with others. As more women embrace solo travel, the hospitality industry is also adapting to meet their needs. Dangi outlined key features such as CCTV surveillance, secure access, staff availability, female-only dormitories, and well-maintained common areas, which are now prioritised when choosing accommodation. Travellers now assess a property’s safety measures before making a booking.
Travellers increasingly look at Wi-Fi quality, cleanliness, safety, reviews, room or dorm amenities, common spaces and cancellation policies before making a booking,” he said.
