Amenities travellers want

Travellers love to stay connected when they are away from home, but they are not going to a hotel for spa treatments.

TripAdvisor released survey results which revealed what are the top five most desired amenities and which five they can most live without.

The survey was based on results from 19,692 American travellers. 

Free in-room WiFi was ranked as the most important hotel amenity by 89 per cent of the respondents, which tied with free parking at the hotel.

Having a free breakfast was third on the list with 84 per cent of survey takers saying they want that at the hotels they book.

Number four, with 72 per cent of travellers saying it is a must have, is having free personal care items in the room.

Free lobby WiFi was fifth at 71 per cent.

Amenities consumers say they were more blasé about included a mini bar (21 per cent), spa and beauty treatments (23 per cent),  business centre (34%), laundry service (39 per cent and free pool-side WiFi (42 per cent).

According to a Los Angeles Times article, many hotels are dropping mini bars as an amenity because of the hassle of restocking and disputes with guests over whether or not they used it.

The Times said hotels generate just 0.24 per cent of revenue from mini bars and many guests are now using the lobby area so many hotels have more offerings to accommodate travellers.