Accommodation preferences in Germany look quite different once travel spending enters the picture.
TGM StatBox data shows a clear pattern across spending groups. Travelers with higher budgets show stronger interest in premium accommodation, while mid-range stays remain highly relevant among those planning a more moderate level of spending.
Among German travelers planning to spend over €5,000 on leisure travel, 44% prefer premium 4- or 5-star accommodation.
The finding points to a stronger preference for higher-category stays among travelers with larger trip budgets. As overall travel spending increases, accommodation can become a more important part of the experience, with comfort, hotel category and added services carrying greater weight.
For hospitality brands, this makes higher-spending travelers a particularly relevant audience for premium positioning, upgraded stays and experience-led offers.
Mid-range accommodation also has a strong place in Germany’s leisure travel market.
Among travelers planning to spend €1,000–€2,500, 44% prefer mid-range 3- or 4-star accommodation.
The finding suggests that this spending group is not simply focused on keeping costs low. Comfort, hotel category and the overall quality of the stay still matter, even within a more moderate travel budget.
For many travelers, mid-range lodging can offer a practical balance between price and experience. It provides a level of comfort that feels suitable for a leisure trip without requiring the higher spending associated with premium properties.
That makes this segment particularly relevant for hotels positioned around accessible comfort, reliable service and good overall value.
Travel spending provides another way to understand what travelers are looking for when choosing accommodation.
Higher-budget travelers show stronger interest in premium stays, while mid-range accommodation remains important among travelers with more moderate budgets.
For travel and hospitality brands, looking at expected trip spending alongside other traveler characteristics can provide a clearer view of which accommodation options, offers and messages are most relevant to different customer groups.
For a more detailed view of lodging preferences, brands can also look at how accommodation choices vary by age and gender, adding another layer of context to traveler segmentation.
TGM Research conducted an online survey in Germany to explore consumer travel plans for leisure trips in 2026.
The study surveyed 500 respondents aged 18–55+ and examines air travel intentions, preferred destinations, the impact of current world events, travel budgets, accommodation preferences, and the types of trips German travelers are planning.
TGM Research surveyed a representative sample in Germany using online interviews (CAWI). Small-base segments are identified in the report where applicable.
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