Millennials are fueling the growth of independent boutique hotels and the new branded boutique hotels. Millennials are fueling the growth of independent boutique hotels and the new branded boutique hotels.
ATLANTA—What do Millennials want from a hotel ? Kevin Richards, COO of Legacy Ventures, is certain he knows. When it comes to hotels , in particular, he says Millennials have very specific preferences and are willing to spend big on hotels that meet their needs. In fact, he insists hotels need to cater to Millennials . GlobeSt.com caught up with Richards to find out what amenities Millennials really want in part three of this exclusive interview. Here’s a hint: powerful Wi-Fi is big on the list. GlobeSt.com: What are a few of the amenities Millennials are seeking? Richards : In addition to location, Millennials are seeking experience and innovation. In terms of innovation, Millennials want a hotel that’s creative, from dining, to art, to music and ambience. Millennials don’t want to feel like they’re at a stuffy cookie-cutter hotel . It’s okay to have a brand but make sure the brand is low key and inspires creativity. GlobeSt.com: What impact does access to Wi-Fi and bandwidth have on Millennials hotel preference? Richards : Millennials are twice as likely as other age groups to select a hotel for its free Wi-Fi. But to really satisfy this handheld technology-driven generation, you can’t limit the number of devices a guest can use, and you must make sure the connection is powerful. Our typical hotel internet pipe is 100 mb, however, when increased bandwidth is required, our HSIA partner can provide a rapid boost in bandwidth via our point-to-point solution. This favorable solution enables us to provide the correct bandwidth when needed at an optimal cost to the property. GlobeSt.com: What are some ‘must haves’ to attract Millennial business to an urban hotel? Richards : Like all previous generations, not all Millennials are alike, but like other demographic groups there are certain characteristics and generational preferences that dominate. We talked about authenticity and sense of place, but the most important thing is an appropriate level of service and creating a feeling of welcome. Everyone wants to feel welcome, but Millennials truly want a sense of connection, and this is where staff makes the biggest difference.

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