Choosing the right accommodations for business travel

With ever-increasing stay options beyond just hotels, selecting the right accommodations for your business travel needs is no easy task. In today's interconnected world, the range of accommodation options available for business travelers has expanded significantly.

Business travelers tend to look far beyond traditional business hotels. There’s a range of alternatives, such as serviced apartments, extended-stay properties, vacation rentals, and co-living spaces, just to name a few. This abundance of choices can make the task of selecting the right accommodation for business travel challenging.

What to consider when choosing corporate travel accommodations

When selecting the type of accommodations that best suit your corporate travel needs, there are many factors to keep in mind. By carefully considering these factors and utilizing the available resources, travelers can make informed decisions that ensure a comfortable and productive business stay.

With the right accommodations selected, business travelers can focus their energy on their professional endeavors, knowing they have a suitable home away from home to return to at the end of a busy day. These factors include:

Cost

Without a doubt, private rentals and other alternatives to hotels are cheaper than renting a hotel room. For corporate travelers, remaining within your company’s corporate travel budget is respectful, so finding moderately priced accommodations is key.

Amenities

Basic amenities, like tea and coffee, toiletries, and a hairdryer are a given. Nowadays, business travelers expect digital convenience. Examples include business-specific facilities like free Wifi, outlets, and USB plug options, as well as a designated work area.

Location

For convenience and ease of navigating a new city or country, finding accommodations in close proximity to the location of your work trip is of high importance, be that an office, fair, event, construction site, etc.

Flexibility

Many factors come into play with corporate travel that can’t be avoided. Choosing an accommodation with flexible cancellation options can help save costs and prevent complications in the face of unexpected situations.

Reliability

Having reliable accommodations is essential for avoiding issues during corporate travel. Relying on reviews can be helpful, regardless of whether you select a hotel or an alternative type of accommodation for your corporate trip.

Safety and security

When selecting your business travel accommodations, security and safety options can differ between hotels and private rentals.

Group travel

Business travel often calls for the meshing together of groups, rather than solo travelers. Selecting accommodations that suit all of your group’s needs can help bring you together.

The pros and cons of business travel accommodation types

For business travelers, there are pros and cons to staying at private rental properties over hotels. Choosing the best accommodations will depend on your corporate travel needs and how these balance against the pros and cons of hotels vs. alternative accommodations like boutique hotels, hostels, condo hotels, etc.

The pros of alternative accommodations for business travelers:

• Typically more cost effective
• Wide range of accommodation options available to suit diverse needs
• Ideal for group travelers, providing opportunities for team bonding
• Flexible check-in and check-out times for added convenience
• Offers a more personal and immersive experience compared to traditional accommodations

The cons of alternative accommodations for business travelers:

• Typically, there’s no 24/7 front desk to assist you
• Potential lack of safety and security measures in alternative accommodations can leave business travelers vulnerable
• Issues that arise during the stay may not be promptly resolved, leading to potential disruptions and inconvenience
• They’re less likely to be located in business districts, making commuting to and from alternative accommodations more challenging

The pros of hotels for business travelers:

• Locations are often close to business centers, making for easier commutes
• Provides a convenient way to ensure quality accommodations for business trips
• Offers a streamlined process for resolving complaints and addressing any issues that may arise
• Access to a range of hi-tech features and amenities for enhanced comfort and productivity during the stay

The cons of hotels for business travelers:

• Staying in business hotels can be less personable compared to private rentals, as they may lack direct interaction with a host
• Having fewer kitchen facilities and living room areas in some alternative accommodations can result in a less comfortable environment for business travelers
• Group travel may be less of a bonding experience in certain alternative accommodations that don’t offer ample shared spaces or opportunities for collaboration

Top 10 alternatives to hotels for business travel

According to recent reports, alternatives to hotels are growing in popularity in the corporate travel world. Our top 10 alternative types of accommodations available on Booking.com for Business include:

Apartments

If you’re seeking comfort and peace of mind during a business trip, alternative accommodations offer an excellent solution. Apartments provide business travelers with the convenience of a fully furnished space, complete with a kitchen and separate living areas, offering a more comfortable environment for extended stays.

B&Bs

B&Bs offer business travelers a unique and personalized experience, with cozy accommodations, homemade breakfast, and often a chance to interact with local hosts, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Hostels

Hostels provide budget-friendly options for business travelers, offering communal spaces to socialize, network, and meet like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community and potentially leading to new business opportunities. Typically, hostels also provide single or double rooms in addition to traditional dorms.

Motels

Motels are advantageous due to their convenient locations near highways if the business location isn’t in the city center – offering easy accessibility, affordable rates, and practical amenities like parking, making them suitable for short and convenient stays.

Resorts

Resorts provide a luxurious and relaxing environment for business travelers, with amenities like spa facilities, golf courses, and fine dining options, allowing them to combine work and leisure during team events, enhancing productivity and well-being.

Resort villages

Resort villages offer business travelers the opportunity to enjoy a range of recreational activities and amenities, such as swimming pools, sports facilities, and entertainment options, promoting work-life balance and reducing stress. They can also provide a wonderful space for team events, etc.

Homestays

Homestays provide business travelers with the chance to immerse themselves in the local culture and experience the authenticity of a home environment, often including meals and personalized recommendations from their hosts.

Boats and Botels

Boats and botels (boat hotels) offer a unique and memorable experience, combining accommodations with the novelty of staying on a floating vessel and allowing business travelers to relax and unwind in a picturesque setting.

Villas

Villas provide business travelers with privacy, space, and upscale amenities, such as private pools and gardens, creating an exclusive and serene environment, ideal for executive retreats or team-building activities.

Vacation homes

Vacation homes offer business travelers the flexibility to choose from a variety of properties, accommodating larger groups or providing extra space for meetings, ensuring comfort, convenience, and a home-away-from-home atmosphere.

Business trips tend to be stressful and demanding for corporate travelers. The last thing you want to worry about is accommodations.

Alternative accommodations offer the convenience of worry-free bookings and the comfort of a home-like environment, allowing business travelers to focus on their objectives.

Whether traveling solo or with a group, these arrangements provide peace of mind and often come with strategic locations that offer easy access to necessary amenities.