Towels, soap, shampoos, internet access, in-room coffee, ironing board, television, game station, fresh baked cookies, spa, bicycles, boats, continental breakfast, luxury bathrobes, valet parking, pet psychic – and the list of hotel amenities goes on and on and on.  What is considered an “amenity” and what is considered “standard” changes over time, from market to market and from asset class to asset class of the hotel industry.  Amenities are often the driver when making a choice between similarly situated hotels.  So how do hotel owners, hotel operators and brands determine what the right amenity mix is for their target traveler – and for their hotel?   This topic is becoming more important than ever before as competition for guests intensifies and it becomes more than just about price.  Many business travelers seek the right hotel, even for a single night, with an eye toward a good meal or a better fitness center or a lap pool.

Our colleague Tara Gorman's recent article in Hotel Business Review, "Getting the Mix Right – the Amenity Mix -  From Traditional to Extraordinary,” will delve into this question.