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A new era in hotel stays begins in 2026, blending personalization, sustainability, and experience-driven design for more meaningful travel.
Hotels nowadays are evolving in response to consumer values, trends, and technology. Travelers have come to expect certain things from their holiday or getaway, such as digital booking, personalization, and meaningful experiences. These preferences are influencing the hospitality industry and require hotels to keep up with a growing set of demands.
Gen Z and Millennials are primary drivers of this transformation. With global travel more affordable than in previous decades, regular trips and holidays are a common part of modern life, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. They have high expectations, especially around sustainability and authenticity, with many travelers seeking authentic, local experiences when away. High-tech conveniences are also expected to be part of the package. Pet-inclusive travel, personalized touches in hotel and guest house rooms, and pop culture-influenced travel are redefining the qualities of an excellent stay.
People expect a personalized hotel experience, and everyone defines that differently. Photo by kittimages via iStock by Getty Images
The New Priorities: Personalization, Purpose & Digital Experiences
Travelers in 2026 are looking for something extra. Something deeply personalized that they can truly connect with. Some emerging trends include Pick ‘n’ Stays, where guests choose elements of their stay, such as wellness amenities or in-room tech, and Pop-Culture Tourism, with themed experiences around series, movies, or other cultural moments. Digital-native booking, sustainability, and local engagement are highly valued by young travellers as they explore the globe.
Hotel chain Citizen M aligns very closely with these priorities and preferences. With innovations in tech–led personalization and a stylish design, it is an attractive option for many young, modern travelers and holidaymakers. This tech–forward hotel is located in iconic cities worldwide and offers guests a range of experiences at various price points. It is a great example of a brand that is responding to modern preferences and guest priorities.
A tech-forward hotel is preferred by many of today’s travelers. Photo by PeopleVideos via iStock by Getty Images
Guests travel for different reasons and have a wide range of budgets and requirements. Promo codes make it easy to find great value for money and make the most of your travel budget. On this reliable platform, you’ll learn more about CitizenM and these savings opportunities. Modern-day guests have high expectations and want to get the most out of their time away. Coupon codes are a smart way to access premium experiences at a fair price point. It also gives more people access to upscale, tech–centred hotels like CitizenM.
Millennials and Gen Z travelers generally seek value-driven, authentic experiences, and using promo codes and travel coupons is a common way to prioritise high quality without overpaying. Guests want to get the most out of every trip, and finding experiences that speak to them is key to booking an authentic, meaningful getaway.
How Hotels Must Evolve to Stay Relevant
Hotels nowadays need to evolve rapidly to meet the demands of younger, more discerning travelers. There is a wealth of options in the tourism industry, and in some cases, guests may prioritize comfort, design, and convenience over location. They may opt for a destination that offers community-building, local collaborations, and co-created experiences, such as lessons with local chefs, cultural events, or exhibitions featuring local artists.
Conveniences such as AI-powered trip planning and flexible, contactless check-in enable guests to tailor their stay to their needs. The future of travel needs to include these types of facilities to continue attracting a steady stream of guests, particularly Millennials and Gen Z. Generic stays and hotels that look and feel the same the world over no longer cut it for today’s travellers.
AI is becoming increasingly popular in helping people plan travel. Photo by Oselote via iStock by Getty Images
In 2026, hotels are no longer places to sleep and relax, but have become hubs for culture, self-expression, and creativity. Where you stay on holiday speaks volumes about who you are, and this is especially true in the digital age. When booking any trip, stay informed by researching your stay online, exploring a range of options, and choosing a place that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you are looking for a calming yoga and wellness retreat or an immersive city stay that lets you connect with local life, it is worth seeking a hotel that offers exactly that.
Where Will You Go in 2026?
The new era in hotel stays arriving in 2026 signals a shift away from one-size-fits-all accommodations toward experiences that feel intentional, personal, and deeply connected to place. Hotels are no longer just where you sleep—they’re becoming an integral part of the journey itself. As travelers rethink what truly matters, these evolving hotel experiences invite us to slow down, engage more thoughtfully, and travel with purpose. Explore more forward-looking travel ideas and destination inspiration in our Hotels & Resorts coverage on Wander With Wonder, and start planning stays that elevate every mile of your journey.
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