Attributes of pet-friendly hotels: What matters to consumers?

Abstract

As more customers choose to travel with their pets, pet-friendly hotel needs have also increased. This research aims to shed light on the physical and service attributes of pet-friendly hotels by using a mixed-method approach. Study 1 analyzed online TripAdvisor reviews using a netnography approach to assess consumer perceptions and evaluations of pet-friendly hotels. The results listed critical attributes for pet-friendly hotels from customer perspectives, revealing specific consumer needs regarding the utilitarian and hedonic values these hotels offer. In Study 2, we conducted an experiment to examine the distinct effects of hedonic and utilitarian attributes on consumers. Our study revealed that when hotels provide high utilitarian attributes, consumers respond positively regardless of the status of hedonic attributes. However, when utilitarian attribute values are low, high hedonic attributes are needed to drive positive consumer attitudes. Such findings highlighted the relative importance of hedonic and utilitarian attributes for practitioners.