There have been countless “essential lists” for business traveler’s that have floated around the internet in the past. Between affordable travel to and from offices and hotels, comfortable pillows on the airplane, and earplugs, one amenity stands out prominently on each list. Reliable Wi-Fi.

The lifeblood of the business travel world, Wi-Fi makes everyone happy. Whether you’re using it to skype with family at home, check your flight status before heading to the airport, or catching up on important e-mails before drifting off to sleep, knowing you’re connection is secure is a first world luxury we’ve grown accustomed to.

A recent survey of more than 1,200 business traveler’s from across the globe reported on internet usage at hotels around the world. The findings regarding Wi-Fi are fascinating in that they indicate just how seriously many traveling professional’s take their internet experience when abroad.

  • 95 percent of business travelers care if there is Wi-Fi or a wired connection in a hotel
  • 63 percent of business travelers confirm, prior to booking, whether a hotel has Internet, 24 percent assume a hotel has guest Internet connections.
  • A poor hotel Wi-Fi experience influences 36 percent of business travelers on whether they re-book that specific hotel in the future.

One interesting finding indicates that the latest generation of young traveler’s are significantly less likely to be swayed by a negative on-line experience.

  • Business travelers aged 35-44 are more likely to post complaints on travel websites, followed by 45-54 year olds.
  • 22-34 year-old business travelers are more forgiving with a poor hotel Wi-Fi service with only 25 percent stating it influences whether they book that specific hotel in the future.

The reasons for this dissonance in reactions are interesting to ponder. Could it be that older, more mature traveler’s who have been through the gauntlet of criss-crossing time zones so many time’s that they have simply come to expect certain amenities and hold the places who accommodate them to a higher standard? Are the young simply stoked to be out on the road and don’t mind terrible wi-fi because they get their work done on smartphones instead?

Regardless of the reasons, the major takeaway here is that corporate road warriors have enough to worry about without a lost connection. While many hotels struggle to accommodate guests, we here at PC Housing knew years ago that convenient, easy to access wi-fi would be a game changer. Each of our corporate housing apartments allows you to seamlessly surf the digital waves with ease. It’s amazing what a little forethought and customer appreciation can do. Maybe one day the big guys will catch on too..

Images: Msnbc, Howstuffworks