New data shows restaurants are influencing where travelers go, where they stay and how they plan, with 61% of Americans having chosen a destination because of its food or restaurant scene
SAN FRANCISCO, July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- OpenTable today revealed its 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America, as new consumer research and dining data show that hotel restaurants are playing a bigger role in how Americans plan their travel, where to stay, and where to eat. Timed to the launch of its latest top dining list, OpenTable is also unveiling an evolution to Concierge, its AI-powered dining assistant, now available directly on the OpenTable homepage to power restaurant discovery and booking.
OpenTable's latest dining insights show that hotel restaurants are playing a bigger role in how people plan where to go, where to stay and what to book before they arrive. 61% of Americans have chosen a destination because of its food or restaurant scene, and among respondents planning to travel this summer, 60% have booked a hotel specifically because of its restaurant.1
That momentum is showing up in reservations. OpenTable data shows hotel restaurant dining by travelers this year is up 13% year-over-year and up 7% across all diners.2 To help diners decide where to book next, OpenTable revealed the 2026 Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America, a guide to the hotel dining rooms worth planning around.3
"Restaurants aren't just an itinerary line item anymore, they're the anchor. Our research backs this up, as half of Americans have booked a hotel specifically because of its restaurant,"1 said Matt Davis, Head of North America Hotels at OpenTable. "This year's Top 100 list spotlights the hotel hotspots worth traveling for, and with our AI Concierge helping diners get instant answers to their culinary questions, OpenTable is making it even easier to turn inspiration into a seat at the table."
OpenTable's 2026 Travel and Dining Trends:
No Room Key Required: Hotel restaurants are no longer just for overnight guests. 92% of respondents have dined at a hotel restaurant when they were not staying at the hotel, showing how these dining rooms are becoming destinations for travelers and locals alike.1
Reservations Are Driving the Itinerary: Younger travelers are planning where to eat before they arrive. 88% of Gen Z plan restaurant reservations ahead of time, with 46% thinking about reservations at the same time as booking their hotel.1
Table for One, Away from Home: Solo dining is finding a natural home in hotel restaurants and bars. OpenTable data shows parties of one by travelers are up 30% year-over-year to date2, while 71% of respondents would consider dining solo at a hotel restaurant or bar in the future.1
The Dining Concierge Goes Digital: Travelers want easier and convenient ways to find the right restaurant for every trip. 51% of respondents say they plan to use AI tools to help discover and book restaurant reservations while traveling this year, rising to 65% among Gen Z and 60% among Millennials.1
Digital Inspiration, Real-World Connection: Social media may help shape the dining experience, but travelers still want to be present once they arrive. While 58% of respondents say social media enhances dining, nearly three-quarters (71%) make a point to reduce their screen time while traveling to focus on in-person connection.1