For busy business travellers, finding the right hotel is crucial for productivity. Learn to identify hotels with spacious work areas, reliable Wi-Fi, and 24/7 business centres. Get tips on booking chains offering corporate rates and conference spaces for seamless trips.
Finding the Right Hotel for Business Trips
Location and Amenities
Choosing a well-located hotel near your meetings or events is vital when travelling for work. Look for properties within walking distance or a short taxi ride away. Also, prioritize business amenities like conference rooms, secretarial services, and video conferencing. Reliable Wi-Fi and a workspace in your room are must-haves. Some hotels offer business centres, executive lounges, and packages tailored to corporate travellers.
Comfort and Convenience
After long workdays, you’ll appreciate a comfortable room where you can unwind and get a good night’s rest. Seek out hotels that offer plush bedding, blackout curtains, premium cable or streaming services, and room service. An on-site restaurant, gym, or pool is ideal for blowing off steam without leaving the property.
Loyalty Programs and Discounts
If you frequently travel for work, joining a hotel loyalty program can lead to significant perks. Many brands offer corporate rates, executive floor access, and point bonuses for business travellers. Rack up enough points or nights to earn free stays, room upgrades, and other rewards. Some programs partner with airlines and rental car companies, allowing you to redeem points across travel brands.
Safety and Security
Safety is paramount for business travellers. Seek well-lit hotels with key card access, security cameras, and 24-hour staffing. Some offer privacy options, like opting out of housekeeping. Utilize room safes and deadbolts, and stay aware. Opt for hotels with a solid security track record.
Must-Have Hotel Amenities for Business Travelers
Fast, Reliable Wi-Fi
As a business traveller, a strong Wi-Fi connection is non-negotiable. It would help if you connected multiple devices at once without lagging or dropping signals. Look for hotels that offer complimentary high-speed internet access in your room and all common areas. Some even provide Wi-Fi extenders for the best coverage.
A Well-Equipped Business Center
A dedicated business centre is ideal whether you need to print essential documents or require conference facilities. Look for a hotel with private workstations, printing services, video conferencing equipment, and meeting rooms of various sizes. Some higher-end hotels also provide secretaries and translation services on request.
24-Hour Room Service
Late nights completing work projects or preparing for an early meeting? Around-the-clock room service means you can order whenever hunger strikes or you need a pick-me-up. And with options like egg white omelettes, yoghurt parfaits, and fresh-squeezed juices in addition to the usual fare, you can make healthy choices, too.
Concierge Services
Take advantage of the concierge for help, from booking restaurants and travel arrangements to providing directions and recommendations. They can also assist with business-related tasks like reserving a conference room or hiring an interpreter or secretary. The concierge is there to handle details so you can focus on work.
Additional Amenities
Other helpful amenities include laundry and dry cleaning services, well-equipped gyms, comfortable lounge areas, and options for late check-out or day-use rooms. With the right hotel, you’ll have everything you need for a productive business trip without missing a beat. All that’s left to do is close the deal!
Maximizing Productivity While Traveling for Work
When travelling for business, it can be challenging to remain as productive as you are in the office. However, you can make the most of your work trip with some planning.
Choose a strategic hotel location
Pick a hotel within walking distance or a short ride from your meetings. This reduces transit time and the stress of navigating a new city. Look for a hotel that caters to business travellers with amenities like conference rooms, printing services, and a business centre. Some even offer day office rentals if you need space to work.
Stick to a routine
Try to maintain a regular work schedule as much as possible. Wake up at your usual time, exercise, and start work at the typical hour. Use your evenings to prepare for the next day’s meetings and tasks. A routine will make the days go by quicker, and you’ll return home less jet-lagged.
Make use of technology
If your hotel Wi-Fi is not secure enough for sensitive work files and calls, rent a mobile hotspot. Be sure to set up call forwarding on your office phone so you can attend to all important work calls. Apps like TripIt, XE Currency, and Google Translate can also help minimize hassles when travelling abroad.
Schedule in downtime
While maximizing productivity is essential, remember to schedule in time to recharge. Take occasional breaks to rest in your room, get lunch with a colleague, or walk around the area. Avoid packing your evenings with work events, so you have time to unwind. Staying rested and avoiding burnout will make you even more effective and focused during the workday.
With pre-planning and sticking to best practices once on your trip, you can have a productive work adventure away from the office. The key is maintaining a balance of keeping on schedule while resting your mind and body. Follow these tips, and you’ll return home feeling accomplished instead of exhausted.