While most Americans heading home for the holidays won’t be expected to do the household chores while bunking with relatives or friends, they may still be longing for the pampering and perks of a hotel.In fact, according to the recent hotels.com Hospitality@Home survey, the majority of U.S. adults (63 percent) miss the amenities provided by hotels when they stay with relatives or friends during the holiday season.

The survey also suggests that the pressure of playing host to a house full of overnight guests can put many Americans on edge. According to the poll, 81 percent of U.S. adults say they feel like a hotel employee when hosting guests for the holidays.

“The holiday season can be particularly hectic for people traveling or hosting a crowd,” said Scott Booker, chief hotel expert for hotels.com. “Travelers who book a hotel room can ease the stress for both parties: they can enjoy the comfort and peacefulness of a private room, while allowing their families to enjoy the holidays without the burden of round-the-clock hosting duties.”

  Missing Out on Amenities

    Most Missed Amenities

    *  Personal care products, such as soap, shampoo and moisturizer
      (10 percent)

    *  Internet access (10 percent)

    *  Room service (9 percent)

    *  Entertainment, such as movies and video game systems (8 percent)

    *  Fitness center (8 percent)

    *  Laundry service (4 percent)

    *  Bathrobe and slippers (3 percent)

    *  Mini bar (2 percent)

    *  Safe (2 percent)
 
While personal care products and Internet access were among the most missed hotel amenities for those staying with friends and family during the holidays, the survey found that younger adults tend to miss hotel amenities more than older adults.

In fact, 72 percent of 18- to 44-year-olds long for hotel amenities when staying with friends and family, compared with 56 percent of those 45 and over. Certain amenities also appealed more to the younger traveler:

    *  Breaking a Sweat.  Ten percent of 18- to 44-year-olds said they miss
      the availability of a fitness center when staying with relatives over
      the holidays, while only 6 percent of U.S. adults ages 45 and over
      miss having a fitness center.

    *  Playing Into the Night.  In-room entertainment, such as movies and
      video game systems, also were more popular with the younger crowd.
      The survey found that 10 percent of 18- to 44-year-olds would miss
      these amenities, compared with 5 percent of those ages 45 and over.
 
And while many people may think women prefer the extra pampering, the survey found that men (67 percent) are more likely to miss hotel amenities than women (59 percent).

From Maid to Bellman: Playing Innkeeper

The survey also revealed that many holiday hosts feel like temporary innkeepers. The most common hotel jobs that respondents say they fulfill when hosting guests are:

    *  Chef (62 percent)          *  Concierge (35 percent)

    *  Maid (56 percent)          *  Bellman (26 percent)

    *  Waiter (52 percent)        *  Doorman (24 percent)

 
However, the survey found differences between women and men. For example, 63 percent of women said they feel like the maid when hosting holiday guests, compared with just 49 percent of men. But men (30 percent) are more likely than women (22 percent) to feel like the bellman.

Payback Time?

From shuttling guests to and from the airport to preparing their guest rooms to serving up their dinners, it’s no doubt that some holiday hosts feel they could give real hotels a run for their money during the holidays. In fact, the survey found that U.S. adults believe their “hotel-like” guest accommodations at home are worth about $130 per night on average.

And it seems like famous Southern hospitality commands a premium. According to the survey, Southerners believe their “hotel rooms” at home are worth $177 per night on average. But deals could be had at homes throughout the Midwest, where residents said their hotel-like accommodations were worth slightly less than $100.

U.S. adults (by geographic region) say on average how much they believe a hotel room at their home is worth:

    *  South:      $177

    *  Northeast:  $109

    *  West:      $107

    *  Midwest:    $98
 
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