Candlewood Survey Reveals Grandparents’ Preferences

WICHITA, KS— More than 70% of todays grandparents dont necessarily want to stay with their kids or grandkids when they visit either, according to a new study released by Candlewood Suites. The Grandparent Getaway Survey of 488 qualifying travelers indicates that nearly 60% of grandfathers and grandmothers continue to work full- or part-time, yet they are just as likely as their retired counterparts to visit their families at least a couple of times per year. The most popular times for families to connect are major holidays, graduations or birthdays. The survey also showed that when staying with their families, nearly four- fifths of grandparents get their own rooms. While almost 75% consider their grandchildren to be a breath of fresh air, more than one-fourth prefer to experience their grandkids in small doses. One in eight grandparents prefers to have dinner with their kids and grandkids, rather than staying for an entire weekend. Nearly four-fifths of respondents respect their familys privacy and limit their visits so as not to impose on them. Conversely, only one- third indicate that their families respect their privacy. Three–fourths of grandparents surveyed showed a preference for staying at a hotel for privacy, because they like to sleep or to be alone as a couple. Candlewoods survey was conducted at the hotel companys 103 locations nationwide in July and August 2002, and was analyzed by a national marketing research firm, Cunningham Research Associates. Some 57% of those surveyed were women and 43% were men. Paralleling the overall population of grandparents in the country, half of survey respondents describe themselves as baby boomers. About 66% have grandchildren under the age of 12, about 10% have teenage grandchildren, and the remaining 24% have both age groups. Candlewood Suites is an all-suites hotel owned, operated and licensed under Candlewood Hotel Co.