Market Metrix Announces First Quarter 2011 Hospitality Index Results

San Rafael, CA, June 06, 2011 --(PR.com)-- Guest satisfaction with hotels remained strong in the first quarter of 2011 (+1.1 to 84). All industry segments reported higher scores with Luxury Hotels (+2.5 to 88.5) and Economy Hotels (+1.6 to 80.5) posting the biggest gains. Among hotel brands, the highest customer satisfaction score was achieved by Starwood's The Luxury Collection (+6.3 to 93.0), with The Ritz-Carlton Hotels coming in a close second (+2.6 to 92.9).

The Luxury Collection, acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts in 1994, includes some of the world’s most renowned luxury hotels. Guests report richer emotional experiences when staying at these properties compared to other luxury brands, particularly the feelings of Inspired, Pampered and Elegant. Guests rave about the architecture, art, furnishings and spectacular settings of these celebrated hotels.

Throughout the industry, guests reported feeling more “Comfortable” (+1.8 to 85.5), “Welcome” (+1.7 to 86.0) and “Respected” (+1.6 to 81.9) during their hotel stay compared to last quarter. The brand providing the highest level of “Comfort” was Waldorf (96.8); guests felt most “Welcome” at The Luxury Collection (95.7) and more “Respected” at The Ritz–Carlton (93.3).

Performance across the Gaming Industry
Known for its “sumptuous rooms,” “incredible pools and & Spa” and “the best concerts in town” Caesars Palace Las Vegas also provides the best Casino Experience according to guests in Q1 2011. Caesar’s received higher scores for friendliness (86.2) and helpfulness of casino staff (86.6) than any other casino.

Among all casinos, customer satisfaction increased (+0.2 to 83.3) with Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino taking top honors (86.8). Guests love this legendary Vegas property, with its new Rush Tower and one–of–a–kind pool. Customer satisfaction with Upscale Casinos also improved (+0.3 to 84.7) led by Bellagio (88.8). Guests love the whole Bellagio experience including the “great location, amazing service, elegant rooms, and fantastic food!” Among all casino hotels, guests felt the biggest improvement in the helpfulness of casino staff, but felt less pampered compared to the prior quarter. Upscale casino guests were more satisfied with their overall casino experience compared to the previous quarter, especially with “Casino Entertainment” but felt the “Value for Price” dropped compared to Q4 2010.

Market Metrix Hospitality Index – 2011 Winners (1st Quarter YTD)

Winner (Segment)

Hotels:
The Luxury Collection 93.0 (Luxury)
Sandals Resorts 89.8 (Upper Upscale)
Staybridge 90.8 (Upscale)
Holiday Inn Express 84.3 (Upper Midscale)
Drury Inns 91.7 (Midscale)
Microtel Inns & Suites 85.9 (Economy)

Casinos
Bellagio 88.8 (Upscale Casino)
Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino 86.8 (Casino)

Web Sites
Fairfield Inn By Marriott 92.1 (Hotel Brand Web Site)
Hotwire.com 80.7 (Hotel Travel Web Site)

Timeshare
WorldMark by Wyndham 89.2 (Timeshare Accommodations)

About MMHI
Based on 35,000 customer interviews conducted each quarter, the Market Metrix Hospitality Index (MMHI) is the largest and most in–depth measure of hospitality company performance available today. Our annual MMHI Awards are coveted by lodging and travel enterprises around the world. These benchmarks, delivered through our flagship product CustomerMetrix™, enable Market Metrix clients to compare their results to competitors by STAR segment, AAA classification, Brand, SMSA, industry averages, performers in the top 10% and other classifications. The MMHI is also available by subscription.

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