Key findings of the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) 2010 Lodging Survey indicate that hotels are becoming greener, healthier and more tech-savvy.
The number of hotels with exercise equipment in rooms nearly tripled to 17 percent, compared to 6 percent in 2008. Fifty-six percent have 100 percent non-smoking rooms, an 18 point increase from 2008, while 38 percent make allergy-free rooms available, up from 24 percent.
Properties using energy-efficient lighting jumped from 68 percent in 2008 to 88 percent. Meanwhile, 44 percent of participants said they have or are working toward a green certification.
Hotels were also asked if they utilize social networking sites for marketing purposes; although upper-end hotels appear more inclined, 75 percent of respondents use social networking sites.
Wireless Internet access rose to 94 percent, up from 91 percent in 2008.
The survey polled 9,000 U.S. hotel properties regarding in-room amenities, security and technology features, food and beverage options, guest services, sustainability and property offerings.