CHICAGO — Hyatt commissioned Talker Research to survey 2,000 U.S. business travelers between May 29 and June 11, 2026, including 1,000 extended-stay travelers and 1,000 transient business travelers.

New research commissioned by Hyatt finds that 90% of business travelers say their hotel room is the only place they truly feel “off the clock” during a work trip.

Nearly half (47%) would rather spend free time relaxing alone in their room than attending optional networking events. And some travelers are going to creative lengths to protect that time, including blocking fake meetings on their calendars or inventing excuses to skip optional work events, like caring for a pet anaconda or video calls with family.

The findings underscore the increasingly important role hotels play in supporting business travelers beyond providing a place to sleep. The tactics may be humorous, but the motivation is relatable: For many travelers, the hotel room is where the workday finally ends.

“Business travel has evolved and so have travelers’ expectations,” said Jason Ballard, senior vice president, global brand leader, Essentials, Hyatt. “I travel frequently myself, and I know firsthand how much the little things can make a trip. From a thoughtfully designed guest room and comfortable bed to reliable Wi-Fi and breakfast before early meetings, every detail matters. We want guests to spend less time worrying about the basics and more time feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.”

Travelers expect comfortable, consistent accommodation that helps them recharge. Nearly half of respondents (46%) say consistency across stays is one of the biggest indicators of a high-quality hotel, and 79% believe staying at a high-quality hotel directly improves their work performance.

When asked, respondents prioritized amenities that help them stay productive and well rested, including comfortable beds, reliable in-room Wi-Fi, 24-hour food options, complimentary breakfast and early check-in.

Nearly three-quarters said they typically work in their hotel room after the workday ends. This underscores the need for guest rooms that support both productivity and rest by including dedicated workspaces in each guest room that help guests transition between work and downtime.

The majority (80%) of business travelers said hotel loyalty programs influence where they choose to stay when booking work travel, highlighting the importance of earning meaningful rewards when away.

Hyatt continues to expand its Essential brands globally, bringing more stay options to guests in more places. Today, the Essentials Portfolio includes more than 700 hotels across seven brands worldwide.

For more information, visit hyatt.com.