• Increased Guest Satisfaction Despite Rising Rates: Hotel guests are reporting higher satisfaction and a greater sense of value, even as average daily room rates have reached a record high of $158.67.
• Importance of Smart TVs and Modern Amenities: Smart TVs are now a “need to have” for many guests, with their widespread availability and usage significantly contributing to satisfaction, alongside updated furnishings and comfortable beds.
• Mobile Apps Boost Satisfaction: Guests who utilize their hotel brand’s mobile app report considerably higher satisfaction scores compared to those who do not, highlighting the value of digital convenience.
• Top-Ranking Hotel Brands: The Ritz-Carlton, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Drury Hotels, Hyatt House, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Microtel by Wyndham, WoodSpring Suites, and Hampton by Hilton are recognized as top performers in guest satisfaction across various segments.

Hotels are truly stepping up their game, making guests feel more satisfied than ever, even with rising room rates. The 2025 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study by J.D. Power reveals that hotels are cleverly capitalizing on key trends to enhance guest happiness. Despite the average U.S. hotel room reaching a record high of $158.67 in 2024, guests are feeling a greater sense of value for their money.

This positive shift is largely thanks to beautifully designed, clean rooms and the widespread availability of modern amenities, such as smart TVs and user-friendly mobile apps. It’s wonderful to see how hotel owners and operators are investing in guest room decor, furnishings, and bathroom updates, and these efforts are truly paying off in increased satisfaction across all segments, especially in upscale, midscale, and economy categories.

Technology is playing a starring role in this elevated experience, with 40 percent of travelers now considering a smart TV a “need to have,” up significantly from 2019. It’s clear that guests love streaming their own entertainment, and hotels are delivering, with 72 percent of rooms now featuring smart TVs. Beyond tech, improvements in furnishings, bathroom fixtures, and bed comfort are also contributing to higher satisfaction scores.

Moreover, guests who use their hotel brand’s mobile app report significantly higher satisfaction, showcasing the power of seamless digital interactions. While issues like odors or check-in problems can arise, they are relatively rare, and hotels are committed to quickly resolving them to ensure a delightful stay. Leading brands like The Ritz-Carlton, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Drury Hotels, Hyatt House, and Hilton brands like Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton are consistently delighting guests and setting a high standard for exceptional hospitality.