Examining hotel characteristics and facilities influencing customer satisfaction using decision tree analysis

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to identify the key hotel characteristics and facilities that significantly influence customer satisfaction based on Google review scores. By applying decision tree analysis, the research seeks to determine which aspects, such as service quality, hotel facilities and location, play pivotal roles in shaping customer experiences. The objective is to provide professional with practical recommendations to improve service quality and cultivate enduring customer loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used a data set collected from Hotels.com, featuring various characteristics of 802 hotels in Izmir Province. Decision tree analysis was conducted using Classification and Regression Tree algorithm to explore the relationship between hotel characteristics and facilities with customer satisfaction.

Findings

The analysis revealed that the number of rooms is the primary factor influencing hotel ratings, with proximity to the airport and hotel classification also being significant. Additional factors such as public transportation distance and laundry services were important, while facilities such as ATMs, beach access and spas showed no significant impact on customer satisfaction. These findings emphasize the importance of core facilities and accessibility.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by offering a novel approach, using decision tree analysis to assess hotel customer satisfaction with structured data. It provides practical implications for hotel managers, enabling them to make data-driven improvements to achieve customer satisfaction. The integration rules created by the decision tree model into hotel management systems can enhance operational efficiency and competitive advantage in the hospitality industry.

Citation

Pişirgen, A., Erdoğan, A.M. and Peker, S. (2024), "Examining hotel characteristics and facilities influencing customer satisfaction using decision tree analysis", International Journal of Tourism Cities, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJTC-06-2024-0136