Breakfast, swimming pool influence hotel choice

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences' infinity pool / Courtesy of Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun Hotels and Residences

By Kang Seung-woo

For Korean hotel visitors, breakfast, swimming pool and location are the most important factors in choosing a hotel, a recent survey found.

Global travel search engine Trip.com conducted a poll on 1,174 people in September on Korean consumers' hotel trends such as preferred services and facilities, and considerations when choosing a property.

When it comes to the hotel service they like most, breakfast topped the list with 37 percent of those surveyed saying so, followed by free internet connectivity with 20 percent and airport pickup and shuttle bus with 19 percent. It also showed that people favor a hotel front desk that is staffed around the clock, at 10 percent.

Taking a closer look, breakfast was the most preferred service irrespective of gender and age except for those in their 20s who put internet connectivity above the meal ― 27 percent to 26 percent.

Nearly half of the respondents, or 48 percent, chose “swimming pool” as an important consideration. In fact, swimming pools have been one of the most important factors deciding hotels' recognition as evidenced by Singapore's Marina Bay Sands that has the world's largest rooftop infinity pool, which has helped it emerge as the city state's landmark place.

Along with the swimming pool, survey respondents also chose spa and sauna facilities at 20 percent, and restaurants at 13 percent and a rooftop area at 6 percent, the poll added.

Breakfast at Park Hyatt Seoul's Cornerstone

When Koreans choose a hotel, location is one of the most important factors according to 35 percent of respondents, followed by rates at 27 percent, facilities at 25 percent and service at 6 percent.

“As more people are opting for relaxing stays at local luxury hotels during the holiday season or weekend rather than going abroad, breakfast and swimming pools are regarded as the most important considerations along with location,” a Trip.com official said.

The local hotel industry is one of the toughest markets in the world, with a great number of hotel brands ― both domestic and international ― setting up a closely contested battlefield.

Each hotel is doing all it can to come up with eye-catching strategies to attract more guests. They not only provide comfortable stays in spacious rooms, but also with fine dining, dynamic entertainment and even educational programs for children.