Finding the perfect accommodation for a business trip can be the key to getting the most out of your corporate travel. However, with such a variety of properties to choose from, it's easy to feel lost. Booking business hotels isn’t complicated with Booking.com for Business, but there’s more to it than meets the eye if you really want to optimize your trip.
So where should you start when selecting the best hotels for business travelers at your destination?
By following these steps to booking a business trip, you can make the process quick and simple – without compromising any essential factors.
- Identify and understand the priorities of the trip – be it visiting clients, exchanging knowledge, or visiting a convention or a local office, the purpose of the trip can greatly influence the factors involved in selecting the ideal business travel hotel.
- Apply filters while searching to narrow the search according to travel policy and level of flexibility needed.
- Choose based on top factors and amenities for corporate travel. Learn what these are below.
What do business travelers look for when choosing a hotel?
1. Location, location, location
The key factor in choosing business trip accommodations remains location and proximity to the areas the business trip is centered around. A convenient location means much more than being close to the airport or downtown.
Whether you need to take clients out for a business dinner or want to explore the best of your destination in your downtime, choosing the right neighborhood for your base is key.
Booking.com for Business allows you to filter hotels and properties within a certain distance of specific areas, zip codes, and even landmarks. You can also book based on public transportation, not only on proximity.
2. Breakfast to start the day off right
With meetings ahead, you and your team will want to start the day right. The best hotels for business travelers offer a healthy, delicious breakfast to make you feel ready to tackle challenges head-on.
With Booking.com for Business, you can filter to search for hotel chains where breakfast is included in your rates.
3. Health is wealth – healthy dining options
Having healthy and nutritious options for all meals and snacks is a key factor setting apart the best business travel hotels. Staying healthy is one of the hardest aspects of corporate travel.
Given that airports are packed with tempting fast and easy options and business dinners are often indulgent, opting for business hotels that provide healthy options is a great idea. Check the restaurants and cafes in the area too, since business travelers often dine outside of their accommodation.
4. Hustle for that muscle
More and more people see physical and mental wellbeing as a priority in their lives and want to maintain their daily routine when traveling for business. Working out and taking care of their bodies can be imperative for some people’s mental and physical wellbeing. It even boosts productivity, something essential for corporate travel.
Business accommodations with a focus on providing quality fitness equipment and wellness spaces is high in priority. Hotels near the business center are often in busier city areas that might not allow for the best night of sleep.
It can therefore be useful to choose a business hotel in a quieter neighborhood, or with windows not facing the streets, to ensure you’re well rested for a productive day of work.
5. Drop it like it’s hot spot
There’s nothing more frustrating than your connection dropping in the middle of a conference call. While most hotels include Wifi in the room rate, there are still some that require you to pay extra for high-speed connection.
Whether you’re catching up on emails after meeting a client, attending a convention, or rushing between meetings, you’ll want to be able to get online without hassle.
Look for a business hotel that offers high-speed internet with no extra cost. If you need to dial in from your accommodation, it’s worth checking in advance whether there’s an adequate workspace allocated for you to do so.
A productive business hotel might be equipped with a well-lit desk that’s comfortable and has plenty of power outlets and great Wifi.
6. One-of-a-kind experience
Nowadays, more and more business travelers opt for unique experiences in boutique hotels over the more “traditional” business hotels. The benefits of more unique experiences include less crowding, a cultural flair, personalized touches, a diverse range of services, and more value for money.
Having a memorable business trip is the best way to build relationships, close deals, and attend important events. It can also help you and your team learn about other cultures, find new business opportunities, and promote your business.
7. Automation
This is also where technology enters the game. Many business travelers want to stay at hotels where they can use an app to check in and out. Most hotels now offer technology and automation that streamline the guest experience from start to finish, which is becoming an expectation for most corporate travelers.
New technology and automation can help during booking, too. No matter who does the actual booking, preset preferences tied to a loyalty number can ensure that travelers have the type of experience they want.
8. Relax and unwind
After a full day of meetings and work, you want to arrive somewhere to relax and prepare for a new working day.
The need for rest and relaxation could be met by finding a quiet, comfortable room with a good-sized bed and quality bedding. A communal area is an added bonus to help everyone unwind over a drink at the end of each day.
You can find properties with suitable amenities for you, from well-equipped bathrooms, spa and wellness facilities, and a swimming pool to a beautiful view to wake up to.
How can you stick to travel policy while choosing a business hotel?
A travel policy is a set of rules that specifically outline how business travel should be conducted. Usually, a company’s travel manager, HR manager, legal team, or office manager is responsible for compiling a company’s travel policy. Read our complete guide to travel policy compliance here.
How to stay within travel policy:
- Choose a room with a cost that stays within budget
- Be sure it offers the required comforts and amenities
- Make sure it’s not too far from the office, convention center, conference location etc., or is easily accessible
- Consider the budget for food and incidental expenses
- Be mindful of your duty of care
Make corporate travel simpler with Booking.com for Business. With these articles, you’ll stay up to date with the latest trends in business travel and learn how to improve your corporate travel policy.