Hotels.com Reveals Honesty Is Not The Best Policy For Check-In-Cheats
Released
on: May 05, 2010, 1:59 am
Author:
Hotels.com
Industry:
Travel
According to new research from leading hotels accommodation
website, Hotels.com, while many people have thought about it, two out
of five (41%) Brits admit that they would be prepared to significantly
bend the truth in order to secure special treatment or 'freebies' on
holiday.
It might be the oldest trick in the book but almost half (41%) of the people polled
would claim to be loved-up honeymooners in order to bag a free upgrade or even just
a bottle of champagne.
However, despite being happy to tell a few untruths in order to get special
treatments it does come at a cost to consciences as more than a quarter (28%)
indicated they would at least feel a pang of guilt about their deceitfulness.
The research, probing peoples' honesty on holiday at home and abroad reveals more
than a few unsavoury habits from a nation famed for its fairness.
Nearly two thirds of travellers (65%) are happy to keep quiet about missed charges
on the bill clearly taking the view that as the customer it's the management's
responsibility to keep track of such things. Whilst not owning up to a missed bar
tab or movie charge is common practice, some Brits are prepared to be a little more
creative when it comes to dodging the bill. One in 20 travellers (5%) admitted to
topping up empty bottles from the mini bar with tap water in an attempt to save on
extortionate charges. That's more guests (4%) than have been dishonest when
enjoying an honesty bar.
When it comes to the freebies it seems many Brits just can't resist a little "memento" from their favourite hotel rooms. Many people become so fond of the
creature comforts available in their room that they often find their way into
suitcases and bags making the trip home. Half of holidaymakers (49%) confessed to
removing items from their hotel room with dressing gowns, towels and slippers (2%)
the most coveted.
Alison Couper, Communications Director, Hotels.com, said "Everyone loves that
feeling of getting something for nothing. Similar to a great deal or bargain, a
freebie on holiday can really make your stay. Clearly, some travellers know a few
tricks to increase their chances of receiving extra special treatment - but we would
always advocate that honesty is the best policy which is why we offer the best
possible deals on hotel room prices available anywhere".
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
European research conducted online between 16 March and 30 March 2010. Total sample
1,639 across Europe (492 UK),
About Hotels.com
As part of the Expedia group which operates in all major markets, Hotels.com offers
more than 100,000 quality hotels, B&Bs and serviced apartments worldwide, covering
all major US and international tourist destinations, including many hotels in New
York, hotels in London, Boston hotels and hotels in
Chicago. If a customer
can find the same deal for less on a prepaid hotel, Hotels.com will match it.
Hotels.com benefits from one of the largest hotel contracting teams in the industry
negotiating the best rates for its customers, plus there are 1.8m reviews from users
who have actually stayed in the hotels to ensure customers make an informed choice
when booking. Hotels.com won the Gold Award for best hotel booking site in Webuser
magazine in February 2009.
For more information or to request interviews, please contact:
Cordy Griffiths
Hotels.com
42 Earlham St
Covent Garden
London
WC2H 9LA
020 7019 2268
www.hotels.com