School holidays roll out across over the next three weeks and it’s a good time for hotel, holiday parks and other accommodation owners to take note of what travellers want.
To be memorable – the type of place which holiday-makers talk about and return to – a comfortable bed and a competitive price are just the “entry point” to being rated as “good”.
According to a snapshot of views expressed in online reviews for Booking.com, what makes any traveller delighted are superb service, shared family experiences, discovery, adventure – and a chance to fall in love.
The views are based on ‘mining’ the online opinions of more than 800,000 reviews which Booking.com has collected into travel insights known as The Booking Truth.
"With The Booking Truth, we didn't want to make biased assumptions about travellers, or put words in the mouths of our customers," says Booking.com CEO, Darren Huston.
The Booking Truth identifies 65 factors responsible for driving guest experiences – everything from the disappointing to the satisfying to the truly delightful.
Here are the top six ways which The Booking Truth says impresses – along with some tips from Motherpedia of accommodation in Australia and New Zealand that goes the extra mile.
1. The total package
Whether their stay is for business or pleasure, 42% of guests say that they only truly relax and enjoy their stay when they have confidence that they can hand over all aspects of their stay to the "hotel that does it all."
Motherpedia tip: There’s a small B&B/lodge in Taupo, New Zealand, called Chalet Eiger owned by a husband and wife team. Enjoy the very best of Swiss German precision and planning, and all the scenic delights around Taupo, and the most exquisite food, prepared to order (if in season). Hea Min is truly a ‘Master Chef’ who learned her art and trade working for the Peninsula Hotel group around the world. All you need to do here is turn-up – Emil and Hea Min will take care of the rest. It's pricey, but worth it for the food alone.
2. A little staff attention goes a long way
Attentive staff turns a good hotel experience into a delight. The moment a guest walks through the front door sets the tone for their entire stay. 21% of all customers mentioned staff and front desk service as being key factors that lead to an exemplary stay.
Motherpedia tip: Going to the national capital? Brassey House is definitely ‘heritage’ style, but it’s well located in the heart of the Parliamentary Triangle, very clean and very comfortable. And, importantly, the staff are friendly, efficient and nothing is too much trouble.
3. Falling in love
A coup de coeur always ensures repeat business. Accommodation that has that something extra that guests can fall in love with get the most applause from guests.
Motherpedia tip: Blackman Hotel, Melbourne – it’s quirky, cute and has some great, friendly touches which makes you want to return again and again. As well as the Charles Blackman artwork on display, you can hire a Smart car, Vespa or bicycle to find your way around Melbourne but if you don't want to bother with that, it’s also well-located right on the tram line into the CBD and beyond.
4. Good location + adventure = memorable experience
Hotels that help guests to take full advantage of their locations and amenities to enjoy new adventures leave them with the best memories of their stay.
Motherpedia tip: Wilderness Village, Cradle Mountain, Tasmania. Wonderful place to visit (but if you go in winter, make sure you’re rugged-up) with short and long walks, mountain treks if you’re so inclined, local wildlife, family adventures. These self-catering cottages and villas put you right amongst the World Heritage listed wilderness.
5. Discovering something new
Travel has always meant opening up to new experiences. And accommodation that helps its guests discover new things delivers the most delight for travellers.
Motherpedia tip: Argadell’s Homestead, near Quorn in South Australia. It’s not everybody’s cup of bush tea but its in the midst of the very scenic Flinders Ranges where you can soak up the light and calm of the great Australian bush on a working merino sheep station. Accommodation options include a cottage, a cabin, camping sites or caravan sites.
6. Beyond family friendly
Family friendly is par for the course these days. Guests favour hotels that are "family supportive" and foster quality togetherness.
Motherpedia tip: Hilton Hotel Surfers Paradise. They’re so switched-on to making kids happy – because that makes parents happy – that they ask children what they want, not just adults!
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