The “hush workcation” is emerging as a new vacation trend, with nearly a third of Americans admitting to working remotely during their vacations without informing their employers. The study, conducted on 2,000 employed Americans, showed that 52% would use their vacation travels to work remotely, with 29% doing so discreetly. Reasons for this included a passion for their work (39%), meeting important deadlines (28%), and saving on paid time off (26%). Additionally, nearly half of respondents had extended work trips into vacations, showcasing a shift towards combining work and leisure.
The study, commissioned by Mews and conducted by OnePoll, revealed that four in five working Americans would be willing to work remotely from their hotel. The majority preferred to work from their hotel room (69%), while others chose locations such as the hotel pool or spa (25%) and hotel bar or restaurant (25%). Notably, both travelers and hotel workers agreed that travel was a priority for Americans this year, with many planning multiple trips and combinations of vacations, family trips, work trips, and bleisure trips.
Hotel workers anticipated an increase in guest use of technology in 2024, with a focus on keyless room entry, in-room smart home devices, mobile room entry, and digital ordering. Over 40% of travelers preferred to check in via a hotel website, app, or digital kiosk, with many expressing willingness to stay in hotels with automated self-service kiosks. The data also indicated a growing reliance on AI for travel recommendations.
Hotel staff often saw locals using hotel amenities, particularly the pool, restaurants, lobby, gym, and parking. Guests frequently sought local recommendations from hotel workers, signaling a desire for authentic experiences and connections to the community. Innovations in the hospitality industry were highlighted, emphasizing the shift towards creating unique experiences, communities, and lifetime brand relationships.
Travelers in the US identified key aspects of a “perfect” hotel, including fast Wi-Fi, a king-sized bed, a smart TV, proximity to attractions, an in-building restaurant, a fitness center or gym, online check-in/out, personal hot tub and bathtub, and a spa. The survey methodology involved 1,000 American travelers and 1,000 American hotel workers, showing insights into current trends in travel and hospitality preferences. Overall, the data showcased a growing integration of technology and personalization in the hotel industry to enhance guest experiences and meet evolving consumer demands.
