Free Wi-Fi and resort fees more common at hotels

Good news for holiday travelers who will be staying in a hotel: You are more likely this year to get free Wi-Fi, a free breakfast and high-definition television than in the past.

That was among the findings of a new report by the American Hotel & Lodging Assn., a trade group for the nation’s lodging industry.
The bad news is that the number of hotels that charge a resort fee is up to 7%, compared with 3% in 2012.

In a survey of more than 9,600 hotel owners and managers, the group found that only 11% of hotels said they charge for Internet service, down from 23% in 2013.

Among other findings, more than 80% of hotels have high-definition televisions, complimentary breakfasts and computers in the lobby for complimentary use.

But some standard hotel fixtures are slowly disappearing, according to the survey. Fewer hotels offer newspapers (58%), in-room DVD players (12%) and mini bars (7%). Jacuzzis are also disappearing, with only 47% offering them.

“It is this flexibility and remarkable adaptability that allows hotels to grow and thrive even as other business sectors struggle,” said Katherine Lugar, president and chief executive of the lodging association.

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