Air travel chaos continued this summer despite the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts believe the hotel industry’s full recovery will take several years. AHLA predicts nominal room revenue will exceed 2019 numbers, but adjusted for inflation, revenue per available room may not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2025.
During the peak of the pandemic, Airbnb and VRBO rentals spiked. Private homes let travelers cook their food, have family space, and be isolated. However, the hotel experience isn’t dead. There are several perks for customers looking to book a hotel, here are two:
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Long-Term Stay Deals
People can also spend much more time in a destination with remote and hybrid work models than they could when they had to be in the office five days a week. As an alternative to a weekend getaway, travelers may plan a mid-week trip, working during the week and exploring local attractions, restaurants, and shops on the weekends.
Extending stay hotels have been one of the strongest recovery areas since the pandemic began. Hotels respond with deals encouraging visitors to choose their properties for these long-term stays. According to Steve Adkins, chairman of the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, Miami Beach hotels offer long stay deals and remote work packages to cater to the new leisure nomad.
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Enhanced offerings
Mychal Milian said AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport and Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport offer tailored customer experiences. Several branded hotels offer frequent traveler benefits like room upgrades, late check-ins, airline miles, and executive floors.
Hotels have enhanced amenities and loyalty programs to attract visitors during COVID. Hotels offer complimentary spa treatments, fitness classes, Michelin-star dining, bespoke cocktail bars, live music, and themed seasonal events.
Dream Hotel Group communications and PR director Katie Fontana says the hotel industry offers personalized guest experiences, like stargazing and private art tours. Hotels are becoming lifestyle entities with an emphasis on the guest experience.