Forget stuffy lobbies and the old way of doing things in hotels. This generation expects something totally different from their stay.
Do you feel like hotels are stuck in the past? For years, they mostly did things one way: fancy lobbies, polite staff, and a mini-bar that cost a fortune. But guess what? A whole new generation, Gen Z, is now traveling. These are the folks who grew up with smartphones glued to their hands. They’re changing everything about what a hotel should be.
Here are 5 big ways Gen Z has flipped the script on hotels:
1. Check-in? there’s an app for that.
- Before: You’d line up at a big desk, fill out papers, and get a plastic key card.
- Now: Gen Z books on their phone, checks in before they arrive, and uses their phone as their room key.
2. Forget the mini-bar, bring on the experiences.
- Before: Your room had an expensive mini-bar with boring drinks and snacks. The TV had limited channels.
- Now: They want cool, local snacks (maybe even free water refills!). They’ll stream their own shows on the TV, and TikTok and Instagram Reels are their guide for hidden local gems.
3. Service is fast, not fancy.
- Before: Good service meant polite staff and someone answering the phone right away.
- Now: Gen Z wants things fast. They’ll text staff for requests, expect quick fixes, and often skip daily cleaning for environmental reasons. They just want stuff done efficiently.
4. Stars don’t Matter, stories do.
- Before: Hotels bragged about their star rating or fancy restaurants.
- Now: Gen Z wants something unique they can show off online. They look for cool design, local art, fun events, and a hotel with personality.
5. Loyalty Goes Beyond Points
- Before: Loyalty meant collecting points for free stays.
- Now: Loyalty is about personal recognition and tailored experiences, not just a points balance
Ready for the Future?
Gen Z isn’t just a small group; they’re setting the standard for travel. Hotels that understand these big changes like making things super easy and offering real experiences, aren’t just keeping up; they’re building the future of hospitality.
Is your hotel ready?