What Do Millennials Want from Hospitality Organizations?

The hospitality industry is not the same as it was ten years ago, and when it comes to new trends millennials are responsible. The millennial population is a little over 83 million, the country’s largest generational demographic.  For millennials who seek added personalization and convenience in all aspects of their lives, the ability to do things through one specific form of technology – that being booking a flight, choosing a vacation destination, or even connecting to Wi-Fi – play into the decision-making process for everyday decisions.  

Having used and relied on personal devices their entire lives, millennials have certain expectations regarding mobility and connectivity. With consumers increasingly embracing technological tools, so have the hospitality organizations that serve them. With new companies such as  Airbnb, HomeAway, and House Trip – the hotel and lodging industry has major competition. Millennials are looking for fast-track apps – that with a touch of a button, and for half the market price, can create an experience that ordinary hotel franchise have been doing for years. So how does the hotel and lodging industry compete? 

Changes Within the Industry: Marriot Hotels

Due to businesses like Airbnb disrupting the travel, hotel, and lodging industry, Marriot Hotels and Host Maker announced a collaboration to introduce a new home rental venture under Marriott’s Tribute Portfolio homes brand.  This new form of hotel and lodging, like that of Airbnb, appeals to millennials because it gives the high-end-feel of a five-star hotel and a quick easy access to a home away from home stay.

In addition to prioritizing technology, millennials believe that travel is at the core of their identity. Over 70% of millennials surveyed in each country said that travel is an integral part of who they are as a person. In a recent study done by Airbnb, most millennials would prioritize travel over buying a home or paying off a debt.  Therefore, Marriot Hotels has targeted cities like London, where affordable housing and hotel lodging are rare; it allows them to target millennials interested in travel leisure in places where they do not usually travel.

Cloud-Based Technology

Another tool the hotel industry has begun to incorporate into their businesses is cloud-based technology, which is built to offer easy-to-use capabilities needed by hotels to simplify reservations, improve operating efficiency, and maximize revenue.

It’s a way for managers and staff to know when guests have checked into their reservation, occupied the rooms, or even checked out of their stay. Millennials expectations for technological incorporation into the hotel and lodging industry has led to cloud-based PMS systems, which  also allow the front desk and workers to check-in guest via phone applications.

These advancements in hospitality and lodging technology have made it possible for millennials who seek an added personalization and convenience in all aspects of their lives. While the hospitality industry continues to improve due to the advancement of technology, the need for fast, reliable, secure network connections has never been more important.  

Want to learn more about Extreme Networks, our purpose-built networking solutions for hospitality, and how we can deliver an unparalleled guest experience for your property?  Visit our Hospitality Networking Solutions page here.   

This blog was originally authored by Stephanie Rodriquez, Vertical Solutions Marketing, Co-Op.