A recent representative Forsa survey conducted on behalf of Kaldewei reveals what guests really want from a hotel fit-out. A clean, hygienic hotel bathroom was chosen by 62% of interviewees, putting it at the top of the wish list. Trailing far behind were: a large, comfortable bed (26%), high-end fit-out (6%), ample seating and storage space (2%) and a comprehensive range of entertainment (1%).
New survey shows which investments pay off for hotels
If hotel operators and investors are lastingly satisfied with the room design and the executed ideas, the chances of being recommended for new construction projects are good. A representative Forsa survey conducted on behalf of Kaldewei[1] shows which investments are most likely to boost profitability and make clients happy when it comes to a hotel makeover or refurbishment. Main finding: For hotel guests, what really matters is a clean, hygienic bathroom. The majority of interviewees (62%) said a clean bathroom was the most important feature. Trailing far behind (26%) in second place, was a large, comfortable bed. It is precisely here, however, in the hotel bathroom, that many factors can cloud the pleasure of a stay. The responses about “problem areas” in the Kaldewei hotel survey show what really annoys guests and which investments are worthwhile for hoteliers.
Bathroom is top priority for hotel guests’ satisfaction
It might at first glance seem astonishing that a room in which they spend an average of only 6 to 30 minutes per day should be the main criterion for guests’ satisfaction. Nonetheless, the Kaldewei survey findings are clear: as the place where guests freshen up and groom themselves, and where they end the day, the bathroom is pivotal to a hotel’s success. Indeed, 95% of interviewees said that they would not rebook a hotel if the bathroom is unhygienic. In addition 21% have given a hotel a poorer online review because of shortcomings in the bathroom, and over one third (36%) have even decided not to book a hotel because of bad online reviews of its bathrooms
Leading the problem area ranking: a lack of hygiene in the bathroom
Whether it’s hair in the plughole, mouldy grouting or a dirty bathroom floor, a poorly cleaned hotel bathroom was cited by an overwhelming majority as “very annoying” or “quite annoying” (99%). And 98% said they were disgusted by mildew spots on the surface of the shower, bath or washbasin. This is one annoyance that – as proven by TÜV Rheinland’s hygiene tests – can be completely avoided with bathroom solutions made of Kaldewei steel enamel. With their glass-hard, non-porous surfaces, the enamelled washbasins, baths and showers are proven to be more hygienic and easier to clean than conventional acrylic products or tiled showers. Thanks to the easy-clean finish, which comes as standard with all Kaldewei washbasins, residues have no chance to stick and form mould.
Dislikes: mildew in joints, moisture damage and discolouration
Good for interior designers and project planners to know: hotels with fully-tiled shower areas have to be particularly careful. According to the survey, the 3rd and 4th biggest annoyances in hotel bathrooms were mildew on the grouting and around the shower drain, followed by moisture damage. These were followed by low water pressure and poor shower drainage which can quickly lead to small floods. Many hotel guests would also be annoyed by discoloured or damaged bathroom products. Hotels can avoid these problems with steel enamel shower surfaces, such as those made by premium manufacturer Kaldewei. Steel is known for robustness, toughness and the ability to keep its shape, and glass offers a superior look and feel, is resilient, easy to care for and hygienic. It is the perfect material for meeting the hotel industry’s demanding requirements.
Bathroom shortcomings: many guests have already encountered them
Although the bathroom is key to a hotel’s success, one in two interviewees have experienced unpleasant shortcomings: 51% have come across mildew spots on grouting and 49% have been confronted with a poorly cleaned bathroom. Almost one third of guests (31%) have even seen examples of moisture damage in hotel bathrooms. One more reason for architects and planners to ensure that superior hotel bathroom solutions are chosen when working on makeovers or refurbishments for their clients.
A worthwhile investment: guests pay more for good bathroom hygiene and fit-out
Choosing the right bathroom solutions is an investment that pays off in the long term because, apart from hygiene (for 95%), the bathroom fit-out is what decides a hotel booking for more than half of interviewees (56%). In fact, 62% – well over half of interviewees – would even pay more for a hotel which has modern, high-end bathrooms. More than one in two (53%) are prepared to pay more if the bathroom features products with ultra-hygienic surfaces. Sustainability is also a subject about which hotel guests have become increasingly aware: half of those surveyed would like a bathroom fit-out with no plastics, preferring the use of natural, recyclable materials. According to the survey, 62% would then even be willing to pay more for their rooms.
“As a partner for the international hotel industry, we advise investors, architects and hoteliers worldwide. With the survey results, we show them how meaningful investments can optimise their occupancy rates and thus the success of their hotels. Our long-lasting bathroom solutions made of Kaldewei steel enamel with a 30-year guarantee[2] satisfy guests’ wishes, while also being a worthwhile investment in the future,” says Roberto Martinez, Kaldewei’s Chief Sales Officer.
[1] On behalf of Kaldewei, Forsa surveyed 1,007 Germans aged 18 and over who have spent at least one night in a hotel in the last five years (period: 2 to 8 July 2019).
[2] according to Kaldewei guarantee conditions
KALDEWEI offers bathrooms of superior quality and unmistakable style, with shower surfaces, bathtubs and washbasins made completely of one material.
