FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

HotelShark Study Reveals Hotel Attributes That Win Guests Over

PALO ALTO, CALIF. (September 8, 2003) – A new study reveals that a warm staff, low price, and clean guestrooms are the three qualities most often cited by guests as reasons that they like a hotel. Lower on the list are an attractive clientele and high shower water pressure.

The study was conducted by HotelShark.com, which National Geographic Traveler magazine named one of the five best travel websites in 2002.

HotelShark.com analyzed opinions submitted by guests during the first eight months of 2003. Only United States hotels that received mostly favorable reviews were considered. HotelShark.com identified 100 distinct attributes cited by guests:

Positive Attributes of U.S. Hotels Most Frequently Cited by Guests, 01/01/03-08/31/03

1. Warm/friendly/helpful staff
2. Low/reasonable price
3. Clean/well-maintained guestrooms
4. Well appointed/decorated guestrooms
5. Central location
6. Attentive/responsive/efficient staff
7. Good restaurant/restaurants
8. Good/clean outdoor pool
9. Large guestrooms
10. Comfortable guestrooms
11. Clean/well-maintained lobby/public areas
12. Well appointed/decorated lobby/public areas
13. Good breakfast
14. Good/clean bathrooms
15. New/comfortable beds
16. Quiet guestrooms
17. Historicalness
18. Free breakfast
19. Refrigerator in guestrooms
20. Walking distance to restaurants
21. Good gardens/grounds/landscaping
22. Safe neighborhood/environment
23. Views of city from guestrooms/balconies
24. Beachside location
25. Views of ocean/lake/creek from guestrooms
26. Good/clean spa/hot tub
27. Good gym/workout room
28. Small/quaint/charming
29. Large bathrooms
30. Common patio/veranda/club room with view
31. Coolness/trendiness/stylishness
32. Free evening wine/cocktails/reception
33. Good show/entertainment/attractions
34. High shower water pressure
35. Fireplace in guestrooms
36. Good toiletries/towels/bath amenities
37. Quiet/rarified lobby/public areas
38. Good concierge services
39. Free shuttle to town/shopping/attractions
40. Fast/efficient check-in
41. Microwave in guestrooms
42. Near walking trail/park/riverbank
43. New property/construction
44. Unobtrusive staff
45. Walking distance to convention center
46. Walking distance to train station
47. Whirlpool bathtubs
48. Private guestroom balconies/patios
49. Brand name toiletries
50. Free/unrequested guestroom upgrades
51. Good bed linens/pillows
52. Kitchenettes
53. New guestroom furniture
54. Good spa/massage services
55. Good/clean air in lobby/public areas
56. Business center / printer
57. Good room service food
58. Walking distance to grocery store
59. Good/clean indoor pool
60. Good/effective guestroom air conditioning
61. Homeyness
62. Kid-friendliness
63. Owner on-site
64. Romantic ambiance
65. Good/fast left/lost item retrieval
66. Iron/ironing board in guestrooms
67. Easy chair/recliner in guestrooms
68. Quiet guestroom air conditioning
69. Waterslide in pool area
70. Large TV in guestrooms
71. Fast/efficient valet parking
72. Good private beach
73. Bar with street view
74. Free newspapers
75. Many cable TV channels
76. Lakeside location
77. Large safe in guestrooms
78. Attractive clientele
79. Close to airport
80. Free breakfast delivered to guestrooms
81. Free local telephone calls
82. Good golf course
83. Free parking
84. Thick bathrobes
85. 24-hour room service
86. Short elevator waits
87. Free valet parking
88. Coffee maker in guestrooms
89. Cozy bar
90. Fast room service
91. Fax machine in guestrooms
92. Walking distance to laundromat
93. View from restaurant
94. Walking distance to beach
95. Good tennis facilities
96. VIP access to adjacent theme park
97. Upscale neighborhood
98, Lively bar/lounge
99. Walking distance to ferry terminal
100. Walk-in closets

About HotelShark

HotelShark collects, summarizes, and publishes real guests’ opinions on hotels. Founded in March 2001, HotelShark is available free of charge on the Internet at http://www.hotelshark.com.

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Michael Steinberg
Editor
BizTrip
www.biztrip.com
A site for travelers by a traveler with 20+ years experience
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