Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, recently conducted a survey among luxury travel advisors to determine what really matters to their clients when selecting a hotel.
One of the key findings —which was 100% unanimous by all respondents — was that it is important for a hotel to offer “an authentic sense of place” versus a “cookie-cutter brand design.” This is clearly a departure from when travelers preferred the consistency of knowing no matter where in the world they traveled, they would find the same carpeting, bedding, décor, amenities, and overall experience.
Additionally, while the top two important factors when selecting a hotel were hotel location (97.5%) and staff and service (82.5%), when travelers report back to their travel advisor about their trip, 6 in 10 respondents commented about the “warm and welcoming service they received” while only 21.3% mentioned the “great location.” The two factors which were the least commented on were “the views, welcome amenity, and staff” and “the value for their dollar.”
When selecting a hotel which offers some type of promotion or offer, 7 in 10 advisors said a “complimentary night” was most important to their clients, with an “added complimentary VIP amenity” coming in a close second. Other deciding factors were “enhanced commission” for the travel agent, “percentage discount off the room rate,” and “added value in food and beverage.”
Also noteworthy in this age of social media and the investment so many hotel brands are making in social channels, travel advisors reported only 30% of clients definitively requested a specific hotel after seeing it on social media, and 11.2% said that more and more were starting to request a hotel seen on social media.
And while loyalty programs once held incredible power in driving bookings, only 1.3% definitely request hotels with loyalty programs, less than 60% sometimes request hotels with loyalty programs, and 35% do not request hotels with loyalty programs.
The top two “must haves” which clients request were Spa Services and a Fitness Center — which ties in with the current trend for wellness travel. Rounding out the top four “must haves” are 24-hour room service and a fine dining restaurant.
Finally, even in times of economic uncertainty, 9 in 10 travel advisors noted that their clients are still traveling more frequently to celebrate special occasions and events since the pandemic, while 66.3% are booking about the same length of stay as in previous years, 32.5% are booking longer stays, and 1.2% are booking shorter than usual stays.
Specific survey findings are as follows:
What experiences clients primarily look for when deciding upon a vacation?
- Cultural Experiences – 87.5%
- Unique Destination-oriented Experiences – 85%
Family options, relaxation, and safe destinations all rounded out the bottom three choices with 1.3% of respondents selecting each.
Do your clients typically dine at the hotel they are staying at?
- Sometimes – 73.8%
- Yes – 23.8%
- No – 2.4%
Over the past year, have your clients booked stays that are:
- About the same length of stay – 66.3%
- Longer than usual – 32.5%
- Shorter than usual – 1.3%
Do most of your clients request hotels with loyalty programs?
- Sometimes – 59.8%
- No – 35%
- Most of the time – 5%
- Yes – 1.3%
What loyalty program benefits are most important to your clients?
- Gaining points that they will be able to use at other properties – 42.5%
- Immediate percentage discount on the hotel room rate – 28.7%
- Additional food and beverage benefits on property – 22.5%
- Additional spa benefits on property – 2.5%
Recognition as a VIP, status and recognition, and clients not caring about points all ranked the lowest.
Are your clients traveling more frequently to celebrate special occasions and events since the pandemic?
- Yes – 90%
- No – 10%
What are the top “must haves” your clients request in hotel facilities?
- Spa Services – 56.3%
- Fitness Center – 56.3%
- 24-hour room service – 51.2%
- Fine dining restaurant – 46.3%
The facilities/amenities which received a less than 2% response included:
- Concierge Service
- Bar
- Breakfast included
- King bed or two beds in the room
- Coffee service in the room
- Dual sinks
- Location near top sights
- More than one dining option
Have you had clients request to book a specific hotel after seeing its social media pages?
- Sometimes – 43.8%
- Yes – 30%
- No – 15%
- More and more – 11.2%
As a result of this survey, Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris is using this valuable guidance from luxury travel advisors to inform how they move forward in many areas of their guest experience. For example, their Festive 2025 seasonal offerings will include two new stay packages which incorporate unique destination-oriented experiences. The hotel is also enhancing its spa offerings which will be announced very soon.
ABOUT FAUCHON L’HÔTEL PARIS
Opened in September 2018 and a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World, Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris is a true Parisian jewel for hedonists in search of a high-sensorial, gourmet-driven experience under the motto: “Plaisir – pleasure, shared and savored.” Located on the legendary Madeleine Square in the 8th arrondissement, this bold, experiential gourmet hotel features 33 rooms and 21 suites. Defined by its glamorous spirit, it has been awarded the SHe Travel label, recognized by women travelers worldwide, and celebrates the French art de vivre. Each room and suite are appointed with an exclusive piece of design: the Gourmet Bar, conceived by designer Sacha Lakic and crafted by Maison Roche-Bobois. This icon of indulgence delights every guest with a personalized selection of sweet and savory creations. The Grand Café Fauchon, with its 200m² terrace overlooking the Madeleine Church, offers the best of French gastronomy from breakfast through dinner, including the hotel’s signature GLAM’HOURS, Fauchon’s takes on the art of the aperitif. Guests may also indulge at the Beauty Spa, a dedicated GLAM sanctuary designed to awaken the senses. Internationally acclaimed, Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris was ranked 16th Best Hotel in “Europe – France – Paris” at the 2024 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. In 2025, the property was awarded as No.1 Best City Hotel in Paris at the Travel + Leisure Awards 2025. For more information, visit: www.hotel-fauchon-paris.fr/en.
