We want free wi-fi say travellers

the ritz

We’ve been saying it until we are blue in the face: holidaymakers want to stay in touch when abroad and wi-fi should be as rolled into the price of  hotel room as toilet paper – and a new survey proves we were right.

According to the survey of 8,600 travellers across Europe, 34 per cent of them said wi-fi was the number one factor in choosing a hotel when on a holiday, 56 per cent said it was their number one concern when travelling for business and a whopping 66 per cent said it was the amenity they wished would become standard at all hotels in 2013.

The survey by Hotels.com saw free wi-fi leap over complimentary breakfast and free parking when it came to hotel choices – and only 11 per cent of people said they would be willing to pay for wi-fi when staying at a hotel.

“With an increase in airlines and airports offering free Wi-Fi, tech-savvy travellers expect the experience to continue upon arrival at their hotel,” said Kate Hopcraft of Hotels.com. “They are using their tablets, smart phones and laptops to plan activities, stay connected to family and even order a delivery meal straight to their hotel room, so it’s no surprise they require free and fast Wi-Fi.”

The Ritz in London (above) announced last week that it had implemented a refurb of its wi-fi service and was now offering it free to guests. Click here to see the story