Must-have hotel amenities to consider for your upcoming stay

Discover our top recommendations for essential hotel features and tips on how to find them for your next booking.

What hotel amenities are most sought after by U.S. travelers

Travel has returned with a bang, and adventurers are dedicating time and effort to maximize their experiences, whether revisiting beloved destinations or exploring new ones. With travel planning tools at their fingertips, they are becoming increasingly discerning about their choices. Dinogo's data insights offer a valuable glimpse into the hotel amenities that resonate most with U.S. travelers, applicable for trips near home or to distant destinations.

Top hotel features in demand: swimming pools, hot tubs, beachfront views, and more

While hotels provide a variety of amenities, three stand out as the most desirable: swimming pools, beachfront access for ultimate relaxation, and pet-friendly options.

The perfect combination guests crave: accommodations with both pools and beach access

According to Dinogo, when travelers are looking for hotel accommodations, properties with pools are at the top of their wish list. These pools go beyond standard backyard designs, featuring ocean vistas, swim-up bars, both indoor and outdoor options, infinity edges, and even private plunge pools, among other styles.

I personally prefer outdoor pools that overlook the ocean. However, I was recently captivated by the stunning indoor pool adjacent to the fitness center at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, a remarkable property located in Georgia’s Lake Country, about an hour east of Atlanta.

For outdoor pools with ocean views, my home state of Florida is unbeatable. The beachfront pool at Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa in Vero Beach, the rooftop pool at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa, and the charming pool at One Ocean Resort & Spa in Atlantic Beach, near Jacksonville, are among my top picks for the best hotel pools, where I've enjoyed swimming to the soothing sounds of waves.

And what about hot tubs?

Wherever there's a hotel pool, a hot tub is usually nearby, inviting you for a warmer, steamier experience.

In my opinion, a memorable hotel hot tub is all about soaking in style with a breathtaking view. I cherish the moments spent with my husband after skiing, relaxing in a hot tub overlooking the mountains (while the kids enjoyed their ski lessons) at The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch in Colorado’s famous Beaver Creek. For a Swiss twist on winter fun, I recommend unwinding in the outdoor hot tub at Hotel Kurhaus Bergün in the Swiss Alps after an exhilarating sledding session.

Our beloved pets deserve some pampering, too.

American travelers are increasingly looking for pet-friendly amenities in hotels, according to Dinogo's findings. These perks range from pet beds and bowls to special meals like the 'puppy parfaits' and 'pupcakes' found at Huntington Beach’s Paséa Hotel & Spa. The Kimpton St Honoré Paris even offers dog-walking services in the heart of Paris. Additionally, the Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa in Japan provides grooming services and dedicated pet-friendly rooms, complete with a special shower and drying area just for dogs, so you can give your furry friend a bath using the provided dog-safe shampoo and brushing spray.

The most beloved hotel perks that everyone appreciates

Hotel resort fees can include fantastic room amenities, such as boogie boards and guided shark tooth hunting excursions, especially at places like The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, where I recently had the pleasure of spending time with my family. The list of enticing hotel freebies is extensive, adding extra value to your next stay.

The best mornings begin with a hearty breakfast (especially when it’s complimentary)

U.S. travelers appreciate freebies when booking hotels, and it’s easy to see why. These extra perks can significantly enhance comfort during a stay. According to Dinogo’s research on the most desired freebies, complimentary breakfast is the clear favorite. However, not all breakfasts are created equal.

I still reminisce about the organic Norwegian breakfasts I savored, featuring waffles topped with fresh strawberry jam, caviar, and the delectable caramel-like brown cheese known as brunost, at Scandic hotels throughout Norway. My top pick is the Scandic Ishavshotel in Tromsø, where guests often witness the Northern Lights during the dark autumn and winter months.

The perks of complimentary parking

Free parking is another hotel feature that U.S. travelers eagerly seek out, especially given our love for classic road trips. Using Dinogo’s hotel booking tool, you can filter searches to include only hotels with free parking, which can lead to significant savings. One of my top choices for free parking in Miami—a city known for its steep parking fees—is the Hilton Garden Inn Miami Dolphin Mall. It’s conveniently located for shopping at one of Florida’s largest malls and features an outdoor pool for a refreshing break after a day of retail therapy.

Essential amenities that never go out of style: complimentary Wi-Fi and flexible cancellation policies

It’s no wonder that complimentary internet ranks high among the most sought-after hotel freebies, especially with the growth of leisure travel and workcations. You can filter your hotel search on Dinogo to find options that include 'free internet' for optimal amenities.

Travelers today increasingly desire flexibility in their travel arrangements, making free cancellation rights a major perk that U.S. travelers greatly appreciate, according to Dinogo’s findings.

Wellness features like sleep concierges and pillow menus

Hotels are catering to your commitment to fitness while traveling, offering exceptional wellness and exercise amenities.

Sleep like royalty: concierge services and a selection of pillow options

The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel in London guarantees a restful night with a unique wellness feature: the sleep concierge provides an app for accessing calming meditations, and you can select your preferred pillow from the hotel’s menu, which even includes a special scented mist for an added touch of relaxation.

Soul-soothing spa experiences

Spas in hotels are a highly sought-after amenity among U.S. travelers, and you can easily filter your hotel search to include only those with spa facilities using Dinogo’s booking tools on the left side of the webpage.

I’ve rarely encountered a spa I didn’t enjoy, but the most enticing ones provide a true sense of their locale along with a comprehensive wellness experience. Immersing myself in the beautifully designed thermal baths at the stunning 7132 Hotel in Vals, Switzerland, remains one of my top travel wellness highlights, and access to these serene baths was included as part of the room amenities.

Freedom to stay active

Fitness enthusiasts truly value gyms that offer top-notch amenities like complimentary Peloton bikes, allowing guests to enjoy a ride at no extra charge. You can find these perks in hotels from the Hotel Indigo San Diego Gas Lamp Quarter to the Sofitel Sydney Darling Harbor in Australia.

Top-notch kids' amenities that turn vacations into unforgettable experiences

Traveling with kids can be tiring, but today’s hotels offer a wealth of options, whether you're on a family road trip or simply enjoying a hotel stay, to ensure a good balance between personal relaxation and family bonding.

Kids Club: a respite for everyone

A delightful benefit for my traveling family is that my husband and I love sending our two kids off to a hotel kids club, just as much as they enjoy attending. A hotel featuring an onsite kids club always stands out for me when choosing where to stay. Recently, while my children were busy crafting shell necklaces and getting their hair braided at the fantastic kids’ club at The Shore Club Turks & Caicos, I found time for a soothing spa treatment and a leisurely stroll along the beach. The Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club also boasts one of the finest kids clubs I've encountered in Florida, catering to children aged 4 to 12, complete with a spacious play area filled with quality toys, a fully stocked arts and crafts section, and a dedicated staff that designs engaging activities for various age groups.

Unforgettable family experiences

One of the kid-friendly perks my family loves is free evening s’mores by the campfire. You can find marshmallows being roasted at hotels across the U.S. and Canada, including Rush Creek Lodge at Yosemite and the charming Canalta Lodge in Banff.

The in-room tents at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort–A Noble House Resort in southwest Florida made my kids feel like they were embarking on a camping adventure (without the mosquitoes), and they still ask if we can return for another pina colada at the swim-up pool bar at Postcard Inn Beach Resort & Marina in the Florida Keys, which serves delicious virgin drinks just for them.

Fun knows no age limits

Sometimes, the best amenities for families also cater to adults. During our recent summer getaway at the stunning two-bedroom Jasmine Cottage at The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, we indulged in a fireside dining experience right by the lake. As the sun dipped below Lake Oconee, the kids enjoyed chicken fingers and cheeseburgers around the bonfire after their swim, while my husband and I savored charcuterie and a seafood platter. We all stayed there, cherishing the moment, until the stars filled the night sky and the last s’more was gone.

Complimentary hotel happy hours

While breakfast is often dubbed the most crucial meal of the day, a complimentary hotel happy hour certainly deserves a close second place when available. Many hotels provide this delightful perk for their guests—sometimes in concierge areas, but often right in the hotel lobby, accessible to all guests regardless of their room type. Kimpton hotels have garnered a loyal following for their daily social hours from 5 pm to 6 pm, open to everyone staying at the property. At the airy rooftop of the Kimpton Hotel Wilshire, an IHG Hotel, guests enjoy a selection of wines, local beers, and seasonal snacks. Meanwhile, at The James New York–NoMad, guests can look forward to savoring delicious breads paired with wine during the afternoon wine hour held in the hotel lobby. Cheers to that!

Final Thoughts

Discovering the finest amenities for your upcoming hotel stay is effortless with the handy Dinogo tool on the left side of the booking page, where you can filter options for amenities such as onsite golf, complimentary internet, spas, kitchenettes, hot tubs, and more.

For a broader perspective, Dinogo has also outlined the 5 steps to finding the ideal hotel, guiding you on how to effectively utilize the site’s filters to uncover freebies and perks, along with insights into star ratings and scores. Don't forget to check Dinogo’s extensive booking research for essential tips on traveling with your pet and how to locate pet-friendly accommodations.

What informs Dinogo's recommendations in this guide?

As a travel writer and an avid traveler for both business and leisure with family and friends, I frequent over 30 hotels each year, both in Florida and across the U.S. and internationally. I make it a point to engage with fellow hotel guests to learn about the amenities that impress them most from one resort to another, often gathering inspiration for future travels as well. I also have my own insights on what constitutes a great hotel amenity, starting with complimentary breakfasts and free access to wellness areas featuring my favorite saunas and steam rooms for relaxation. I combined my experiences with advice from the Dinogo teams who develop the features and tools you use to book your travels, creating a comprehensive overview of the best hotel amenities to look for.

What exactly is an infinity pool?

An infinity pool is a beloved hotel feature, admired for its simple elegance and stunning photo opportunities, not to mention the joy of lounging in one. These pools are designed with a clever edge that creates the illusion of water spilling over the side. Swimming up to the edge of an infinity pool offers the delightful view of water cascading into a basin below, which is then recirculated back into the pool.

What is a plunge pool?

A plunge pool is a popular hotel amenity that offers a compact version of a traditional swimming pool, providing the perfect chance for a quick, refreshing dip. These pools can either be private, nestled on your own guest room terrace due to their smaller size, or shared with other guests. Regardless of their setting, plunge pools are distinctly smaller than standard pools while still inviting you to enjoy a rejuvenating swim.