Understanding Hotel Guest Satisfaction in North America
In today’s ever-evolving travel landscape, hotel guests across North America are finding more value for their money. According to the latest annual North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study by J.D. Power, this sentiment is reflected across all hotel segments—from economy to luxury. Despite the average daily rate for a U.S. hotel reaching a record high of $158.67 in 2024, guests are expressing higher satisfaction levels.
Andrea Stokes, hospitality practice lead at J.D. Power, highlights that hotel investments in guest room decor and furnishings, along with bathroom updates, have significantly contributed to this positive trend. She also points out that technology plays a crucial role in enhancing guest satisfaction without requiring massive capital expenses. Smart TVs and updated room temperature controls are examples of cost-effective improvements that can make a big difference.
As travel becomes more complex due to flight delays and road traffic, guests are increasingly seeking the comforts of home. This shift in expectations means hotels must provide a seamless and enjoyable experience to meet these demands.
Top Performing Economy Hotels
For travelers looking to save money while still enjoying a satisfying stay, Microtel has emerged as a top choice. The hotel chain secured first place in overall customer satisfaction among all economy hotels in the study. The average score for economy hotels was 544 out of 1,000 points, with the following rankings:
- Microtel by Wyndham: 619
- Days Inn: 588
- SureStay: 588
- Howard Johnson: 584
- Americas Best Value Inn: 576
- Econo Lodge: 558
- Super 8: 546
- Studio 6: 540
- Red Roof Inn: 533
- Travelodge: 522
- Motel 6: 519
- Rodeway Inn: 468
- OYO: 386
In the category of economy extended stay hotels, the average score was 539 out of 1,000 points. Here are the top performers:
- WoodSpring Suites: 600
- Extended Stay America Select Suites: 538
- InTown Suites: 512
- HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof: 492
- Suburban Studios: 467
Both Microtel by Wyndham and WoodSpring Suites maintained their top positions for a third consecutive year, showcasing consistent excellence in customer satisfaction.
High Marks in Other Categories
The J.D. Power study surveyed over 39,000 guests and evaluated satisfaction across seven key categories:
- Check-in/check-out
- Connectivity
- Facilities
- Food and beverage
- Guest room
- Staff service
- Value
Luxury hotels saw The Ritz-Carlton scoring 779 out of 1,000 points, while Omni Hotels & Resorts led in the upper upscale category with 731 points. Drury Hotels topped the upscale category with 738 points. Hyatt House continued its dominance in the upscale extended stay category with 705 points for the fourth consecutive year.
Hampton by Hilton achieved the highest score in the upper midscale category with 694 points. Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton took the top spots in their respective categories, each securing their third consecutive win.
Enhancing Your Travel Experience
For those looking to maximize their travel budget, there are several strategies to consider. One such option is exploring hotel rewards programs that offer significant value. Additionally, innovative financial tools like Trovy’s HELOC Card can help unlock equity in your home, providing access to funds at lower rates than traditional credit cards.
With features such as no forced draws, cash back rewards, and fixed-rate options, Trovy’s HELOC Card offers flexibility and savings. By transforming trapped equity into spending power, it can help fund renovations, handle emergencies, or even support travel plans.
Whether you’re planning a vacation or simply looking to manage your finances more effectively, understanding the value of your travel choices can make a meaningful difference. From choosing the right hotel to leveraging financial tools, every decision can contribute to a more rewarding experience.
