Key hospitality trends shaping the future of travel and service

It’s well known that a guest’s experience begins long before they step through the door of your hotel. 

As we head into 2025, this couldn’t be more true. From pre-arrival digital check-ins to AI-driven room service and eco-friendly design, hospitality industry trends are transforming every stage of the guest journey.

And it’s not just technology that’s driving this change — it’s the guest demand for thoughtful, sustainable and highly personalized service.

But with so many trends reshaping the landscape, where do you begin? Let’s unpack the top hotel industry trends for 2025 and give you the strategies you need to stay competitive.

TL;DR: Travel and hospitality trends in 2025

The future of travel and hospitality is being shaped by technology, sustainability and personalization.

Guests now expect experiences that are seamless, meaningful and designed around their needs — and brands are responding with innovation that blends empathy and efficiency.

• Contactless check-ins: Smart tech and mobile apps make travel smoother from arrival to checkout.
• Personalized experiences: Data analytics help hotels anticipate guest needs before they’re voiced.
• Bleisure travel: Work and leisure blend as professionals extend business trips to relax and explore.
• Sustainable stays: Eco-conscious design, refillable amenities and local sourcing become standard.
• Flexible bookings: Freedom to cancel, reschedule or pay later builds trust and loyalty.
• Inclusive design: Accessibility and sensory-friendly spaces make every guest feel welcome.
• Wellness travel: From yoga studios to sleep-enhancing rooms, wellbeing becomes essential.
• AI-powered hospitality: Chatbots, smart rooms and automation personalize every interaction.
• Remote work-ready stays: Hotels adapt with coworking lounges and ergonomic workspaces.
• Tailored stays: Unbundled services let travelers customize exactly what they want to pay for.

Key takeaway: Hospitality in 2025 is human-centered and tech-enabled. The brands that balance innovation with empathy will deliver the experiences travelers remember — and return to.

The role of consumer behavior in hospitality industry trends

Current trends in the hospitality industry show that guests are looking for experiences that align with their lifestyles, reflect their values, and make their journey seamless — something that’s not expected to change in 2025. 

In an era where digital platforms know our preferences and tailor their recommendations to us, we’ve come to expect the same from the places we stay.

This means that hyper-personalized service is now the gold standard in the hospitality industry. 

Special touches — like customized room setups or curated activity recommendations — show that a property cares about its guests as individuals, making for a more memorable, meaningful (and shareable) stay.

And you never know: your guests might be so impressed that they come back year after year…

This isn’t the only effect that guests’ tech habits are having, either. Smart technology and the internet of things are part of our daily lives and we don’t expect that to stop just because we’ve booked into a hotel. 

Guests want to be able to control every aspect of their stay, like they do the rest of their lives, via their smartphones.

This demand for digital convenience is driving changes in business models, construction, and other hotel industry trends.

Travelers are also becoming more aware of the impact their trips have on the environment and they’re actively choosing brands that prioritize the planet just as much as people and profit.

For many guests, this means that sustainable practices aren’t just nice-to-haves, they’re must-haves. 

As travelers’ expectations and technology evolve alongside each other, the hospitality industry will be pushed to adapt in ways that go beyond the basics of comfort and service. 

What are the top hospitality trends for 2025?

With technology, sustainability, and personalization reshaping the way we travel, the top hospitality trends for 2025 include contactless technology, eco-friendly travel, personalized guest experiences, wellness tourism and enhanced digital services. 

Let’s take a look at the latest trends in the hospitality industry for 2025 and how they might affect the way we stay when we’re away from home.

1. Check-in without checking in: contactless tech is here to stay

Guests expect their entire experience to be as frictionless as possible and contactless technology gives travelers complete control over their stay.

Mobile check-ins, keyless entry and even touchless payments are already on the rise, but they are set to become the norm. 

For example, digital room keys stored on an app let guests skip the front desk entirely, while smart in-room controls allow guests to adjust lighting, temperature and entertainment from their device. 

The impact goes beyond the room, too. Contactless dining options, including QR code menus and app-based food ordering, make service faster, safer and more customizable.

Key takeaway: Contactless tech is setting a new standard for seamless, guest-controlled travel experiences.

2. Using data analytics to create personalized guest experiences

Thanks to data analytics, hotels can now serve guests with a whole new level of personalization. 

Hotels can use data from past stays, like preferences and feedback, to customize every detail of a guest’s stay.

Whether it’s remembering a guest’s favorite drink or having the bathroom set up just right, this kind of personalization is about making guests feel special and valued.

Using data to anticipate what someone wants before they even have to ask, shows that you’re paying attention. And that’s the kind of detail that keeps guests coming back.

Key takeaway: Data-driven insights turn ordinary stays into memorable, tailored experiences that make guests feel genuinely valued.

3. ‘Bleisure’ travel blends work and play for modern professionals

Business trips aren’t about back-to-back meetings and eating in your room anymore. Bleisure travel is here — and it’s giving people the chance to mix business with a little leisure. 

• In 2018, 60% of business trips included a leisure component.
• In 2023, 76% of business travelers reported that they planned to take a bleisure trip in the next 12 months.

This data goes to show that professionals are becoming more and more keen to extend their work trips to enjoy the destination, whether it’s relaxing at a spa or exploring the city after hours.

For hotels, this means creating an experience that caters to both work and play. Provide comfy, quiet spaces for those important video conference calls.

And don’t forget to offer some downtime activities — because it’s not just about work after all.

Key takeaway: Work trips are evolving into work-and-play experiences as travelers seek balance, comfort and discovery.

4. Sustainable stays take center stage in modern travel

According to Booking.com research, approximately 76% of travelers want to make their vacations more sustainable. 

And considering that millennials and Gen Zs are particularly eco-conscious, we’re sure to see more of this in future. 

 To make travel more sustainable, businesses could focus on initiatives such as:

• Investing in green architecture that uses natural materials and energy-efficient design to lower your carbon footprint
• Replacing single-use plastics with biodegradable or refillable alternatives
• Offering locally sourced, organic food to reduce environmental impact and support local producers

For environmentally conscious guests, these steps aren’t just about the planet — they make their stay feel more meaningful too.

Key takeaway: Sustainability has shifted from optional to expected as travelers reward brands that prioritize planet-friendly design and sourcing.

5. Travel flexibility becomes the new loyalty driver

Life doesn’t stop when you go on vacation and plans sometimes need to change at the drop of a hat.

Current trends in the hospitality industry point towards giving travelers the freedom to modify or cancel reservations without stress — or incurring fees — whether it’s a last-minute change of plans or just a bit of indecision (we’ve all been there!).

Hotels are stepping up by offering flexible options such as:

• Free cancellations that remove the fear of losing money if plans shift
• No-fee date changes for guests who need to adjust their travel schedule
• “Book now, pay later” options that make planning feel easier and more accessible

These flexible options also foster trust and loyalty. Travelers appreciate knowing their chosen hotel understands their needs, which often leads to repeat business and stronger word-of-mouth recommendations. 

Key takeaway: Flexible bookings build trust and repeat business by removing the stress from last-minute changes.

6. Welcome, everyone: The future of hospitality is inclusive

Hospitality is about making sure everyone feels welcome, no matter their needs. So it’s not surprising that accessibility is becoming one of the most important hospitality trends at the moment. 

This shift isn’t just about complying with equality laws — it’s about ensuring all guests, from those with physical disabilities to those with dietary restrictions, can enjoy a hassle-free stay. 

Making travel accessible to everyone isn’t only the right thing to do, it’s good for business too.

According to Hospitality Guest Experience Management research, 71% of guests believe disabled people should be better accommodated in hospitality settings and 30% claim they would leave a venue if access for disabled people was inadequate.

Hotels will need to invest in more inclusive design, such as:

• Sensory-friendly rooms that accommodate guests with sensory sensitivities
• Staff training to ensure teams can confidently support diverse guest needs
• Adaptive technologies that make stays easier and more comfortable for everyone

Key takeaway: Inclusive design ensures every guest feels comfortable, supported and genuinely welcome.

7. Wellness becomes an essential part of travel experiences

It’s no secret that wellness is becoming a top priority for travelers, especially those who want more than just a place to sleep.

Many guests now see wellness not just as an add-on but as an essential part of their trip.

With wellness tourism expenditures reaching $830 billion in 2023, wellness amenities (think yoga classes, meditation spaces, on-site spas and sleep-enhancing rooms) are quickly becoming essentials.

In 2025 and beyond, hotels will need to step up their wellness game with thoughtful amenities that help guests relax, rejuvenate and recharge, such as:

• Yoga and meditation spaces for mindfulness on the go
• On-site spas and wellness retreats designed for total relaxation
• In-room wellness options like massages, aromatherapy or sleep-enhancing setups
• Fitness facilities and classes that cater to different energy levels and preferences
• Health-focused menus offering balanced, nutritious meals that support guest wellbeing

Key takeaway: Wellness amenities are no longer extras but essentials that define the modern travel experience.

8. Increase in artificial intelligence adoption

AI is reshaping how hotels operate behind the scenes and how guests experience every moment of their stay.

It’s all about making life easier, faster and more personal for both travelers and staff.

Picture a guest arriving after a long flight, checking in and unlocking their room with a single tap on their phone. AI-driven self-check-in features remove wait times and make arrivals effortless.

The same technology powers instant service. AI chatbots can answer questions on the spot, from dining recommendations and wake-up calls to requests for extra towels, creating round-the-clock convenience.

AI also takes personalization to a new level. By analyzing data from past stays, hotels can tailor every detail so guests always feel recognized and valued. Every interaction becomes smoother, smarter and more meaningful.

Key takeaway: AI is transforming hospitality through faster service, smarter personalization and effortless guest interactions.

9. Travelers expect remote work-friendly spaces

Nearly 30% of people worldwide don’t work in offices anymore. With remote work here to stay and the number of digital nomads on the rise, work-friendly spaces are becoming a must-have for hotels. 

These spaces offer flexibility for guests to seamlessly switch from work mode to vacation mode, all without leaving the hotel. Examples include:

• Quiet co-working lounges with fast Wi-Fi and fully stocked coffee bars
• Ergonomic in-room work setups that make remote work comfortable and productive
• Work-from-hotel packages that include access to meeting rooms, printers and business amenities

Key takeaway: Remote work-friendly spaces are becoming a key differentiator for hotels as travelers seek destinations that support both work and leisure.

10. Tailored stays replace one-size-fits-all hotel packages

The days of the one-size-fits-all hotel experience are behind us. As travelers become more discerning and budget-conscious, unbundled services are taking center stage. 

Guests no longer want to pay for the same, stock-standard package as everyone else. Now, they’re looking for the opportunity to craft a stay that perfectly fits their preferences in their price range.

Giving guests the option to skip the breakfast buffet in favor of a late checkout, for example, means they can tailor their stay to what works best for them without having to pay for extras they don’t need.

Plus, it allows you to cater to budget-conscious travelers and high-end guests alike.

Key takeaway: Unbundled services give guests the freedom to design stays that fit their preferences, priorities and budgets.

How to use these trends in your business strategy

Staying ahead in hospitality means embracing change and weaving new trends into every level of your business.

With guests expecting personalized, tech-driven and sustainable experiences, now is the time to take action. 

Here are a few practical, impactful steps you can take to help your business thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Embrace contactless tech

Equip your property with smart locks that allow for keyless room entry and introduce applications that enable mobile check-ins and contactless payment options.

This streamlines the guest experience, cuts down on wait times and increases convenience.

Prioritize sustainability initiatives

Go green by swapping single-use plastics for biodegradable alternatives, using energy-efficient lighting and appliances, and encouraging guests to reuse linens.

Small changes add up and can build loyalty among eco-conscious guests while cutting operational costs.

Focus on wellness

Develop wellness offerings like yoga classes and spa discounts or simply offer in-room amenities like yoga mats or essential oils.

You can also create wellness packages that are tailored to guest preferences, making their stay not just a getaway, but a rejuvenating experience.

Offer personalized experiences

Use data analytics to understand your guests’ preferences better. Whether it’s remembering a favorite wine or recommending local experiences based on past stays, personalization can elevate guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Flexible booking options

Consider making flexible booking a standard offering to remove the worry that changing plans might cost time or money.

Guests are looking for peace of mind when booking; flexibility builds that trust.

Train your team for inclusivity

Equip your staff with the knowledge and skills to provide exceptional service to all guests, including those with diverse needs.

A little training goes a long way in making everyone feel welcome and supported.

Get a chatbot concierge

Integrate an AI-powered chatbot as a digital concierge for easy 24/7 assistance. Chatbots can handle a range of common guest requests, including:

• Directions and local recommendations for dining, attractions and activities
• Service requests such as extra towels or wake-up calls
• Stay extensions or booking changes without needing front desk support

These instant responses help guests feel supported around the clock while freeing up staff to focus on higher-value interactions.

Introduce build-your-own stay packages

To maximize the personalization that your guests are able to enjoy, offer flexible, “build-your-own-stay” packages where guests can select everything they want to include in their escape and nothing they don’t. 

Create dedicated work zones

Design spaces that meet the needs of remote workers and digital nomads, such as:

• Co-working lounges with fast Wi-Fi, ergonomic seating and plenty of outlets
• Private meeting rooms or bookable pods for calls and collaboration
• In-room office setups equipped with desks, chairs and strong connectivity

These features make it easy for guests to stay productive without leaving the hotel, while appealing to the growing remote work audience.

How Attest can help you track hospitality trends

The hospitality industry never stands still. As travelers share their experiences faster than ever, guest expectations are evolving just as quickly — from contactless check-ins to wellness add-ons and eco-conscious stays.

Attest’s survey platform helps hospitality businesses keep their finger on the pulse. With fast, easy-to-create surveys that reach your target audience, you can track trends, understand guest preferences and uncover the insights that drive smarter decisions.

Imagine knowing exactly how travelers feel about your sustainability initiatives or digital guest experience before your competitors do.

Attest gives you the confidence to adapt quickly, refine your offerings and meet guests where they are.

The future of hospitality belongs to brands that listen, learn and innovate. Bring your business closer to your guests with Attest’s market analysis and uncover the insights that turn great experiences into lasting loyalty.