- A study highlighted by Le Figaro shows travellers prioritise basic comforts in hotels
- A good bed, quiet rooms and a proper bathroom remain the top expectations
- Nearly one-third of travellers seek an environment to unplug from technology
- 41pc of travellers state their primary goal is to return from a trip calmer
- The findings come ahead of the EquipHotel trade fair in Paris
A new study highlighted by France’s Le Figaro shows that travellers still prioritise basic comforts in hotels. A good bed, quiet rooms and a proper bathroom remain the top expectations. The findings come ahead of the EquipHotel trade fair in Paris and suggest that many properties may have overlooked these fundamentals while focusing on design, technology or spa facilities.
According to studies highlighted ahead of the EquipHotel 2026 trade fair, modern hotel guests increasingly view fundamental physical comfort as the true luxury over tech gadgets or flashy design. High-quality bedding, proper mattress ergonomics and sleep-enhancing amenities are primary requirements as sleep tourism and rest grow in importance. Soundproofing and acoustic insulation rank near the top because travellers want to escape daily noise, screens and constant digital alerts. A functional, well-designed private bathroom with good water pressure and space replaces superficial gimmicks. Nearly one-third of travellers actively seek an environment that helps them unplug from technology, aiming to return from trips less stressed.
While reliability like Wi-Fi and climate control is expected, guests prefer warm human-to-human service and simplicity over overcomplicated smart-room automation. The consensus heading into 2027 is that while the industry has spent years focusing on complex tech stacks and experiential extras, the hotels succeeding the most are those that do not overlook basic human comfort. In a world of digital noise, 41pc of travellers state their primary goal is to return from a trip calmer and less stressed.
EquipHotel 2026 takes place from Monday, November 2, to Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles in Paris



