How Every State Orders Their Room Service

Imagine this: you walk back to your luxurious MGM Grand hotel room after a triumphant night at the tables, a satisfying clink of chips echoing in your pocket. After the excitement settles, what better way to unwind than with a delicious room service feast? 

Whether you’re in the gambling capital, relaxing at a spa resort, or on a ski lodge getaway, did you know your room service cravings might reveal something about you and your fellow travelers across the country?

To uncover these trends, we surveyed thousands of Americans for insights about their room service preferences. Buckle up – we’re about to dive into America’s interesting room service habits.

Room service holds a certain allure for travelers. It’s the promise of comfort, convenience, and perhaps a touch of luxury. On average, Americans indulge in this in-room dining experience about ten times a year. The primary draw? Convenience.  

• 64% of Americans appreciate the convenience of not leaving the room, 22% enjoy the privacy, and 14% relish the feeling of luxury.
• 70% of Americans think room service should be available 24/7, with women more likely to agree (75% vs. 65% of men).

The ability to relax in one’s own space without the hassle of finding another place to eat is a huge draw. Solo travelers, in particular, appreciate the privacy and freedom room service offers.

• The most common reason people would be more likely to order room service is if there was a lack of nearby dining options (29%).
• 20% of Americans say they’re more likely to place a room service order when traveling alone to avoid dining out.

However, the reality is that cost plays a significant role in the decision to order room service. Nearly half of consumers express frustration over high prices.

• 38% would order room service more often if prices were lower, and 26% would if the food quality was higher.
• High prices are the biggest pet peeve for nearly half of Americans (49%).
• 15% have ordered from the kids’ menu to save money, with 20% of women doing so compared to 9% of men.

Beyond price, the quality of the food is paramount. Guests expect their in-room dining experience to rival that of the hotel’s restaurant. Additionally, the presentation of the food can elevate the overall perception of value.

• 75% of Americans say food presentation is important or slightly important, with 16% indicating it is very important. Only 9% of the country does not value the presentation.
• A quarter of the country (26%) responded they would be more likely to order room service if the food quality was higher.  
• 20% of Americans always check reviews before ordering room service, but Gen Z checks them the most of any generation. 27% of Gen Z always check the reviews with another 19% of them checking reviews frequently. Combined, that’s about half of the generation taking reviews into consideration frequently (46%).

It’s also worth noting the generational differences in room service preferences. While older generations tend to be more lenient with tipping, younger guests, particularly Gen Z, are more budget-conscious. This shift in consumer behavior necessitates a nuanced approach to pricing and service.

• Americans believe they should tip an average of 17% on room service, with Gen Z averaging 16% and baby boomers averaging 18%.
• 59% consider room service availability important when booking a hotel, especially older generations (64% of baby boomers vs. 54% of Gen Z).

Business travelers also show distinct patterns in their room service usage. A significant majority of those traveling for work are more likely to order room service if using a company card, with women being more likely to do so compared to men.

• 83% of work travelers are more likely to order room service if using a company card, with women more likely than men (88% vs. 79%).

By addressing these insights and preferences, hotels can enhance their room service offerings, ensuring a memorable and luxurious experience for every guest. Over half of Americans (55%) say they are highly likely to book another stay with the same hotel if they had a good room service experience, making it a critical aspect of guest satisfaction and loyalty.

Ultimately, room service is a hotel amenity that enhances guest satisfaction and drives revenue. By prioritizing convenience, quality, and value, hotels can create a room service experience that leaves a lasting positive impression. 

So, if you’re at an MGM Resorts property in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Detroit, Beau Rivage, or anywhere else, why not unwind in the comfort of your luxurious hotel room and celebrate your casino victory with a delicious room service feast? And if you’re looking to keep your lucky streak going online, explore the vast library of legal online casino games available on the BetMGM website or app. 

Our insights are based on an anonymous survey of 3,220 respondents. This research was collected throughout June and July of 2024. The following states were not included due to insufficient survey respondents: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and Wyoming.