As a business traveler today, you are remarkably self-sufficient with just your laptop and smartphone. However, there are must-have features beyond a functioning printer in the lobby (although the best business hotels should definitely have this as well). It’s important for business travelers to hotel search by amenities to ensure that their work needs are accommodated while they’re on the road!
8 Top Hotel Amenities for Business Travelers
When researching lodging options, look for these hotel amenities for business travelers:
High-Quality Breakfast with Convenient Hours
You’ll be up early to meet with clients and colleagues, so a high-quality breakfast to fuel your body for the day is worth changing your business hotel. Ensure the breakfast hours work with your schedule and there are plenty of options you can enjoy at the hotel or take with you for your taxi ride to your first meeting of the day.
Rewards Program that You’ll Benefit From
Most corporate lodging options offer a form of rewards. The best business hotels have reward programs you can use for real benefits in the future. Consider company-wide perks and the ability to use points for personal travel as well.
Reliable WiFi throughout the Hotel
Reliable, high-speed WiFi connectivity is no longer a want but a need for business travelers in the Digital Age. The ability to access your email and online documents in your room, in the fitness center and at the hotel bar is a necessity.
Fitness Center
A business trip shouldn’t have to hinder your workout progress. It’s also important for business travelers to stay sharp while they’re presenting, learning or networking on the road. Fitness centers are important amenities for business travelers, as they allow them to maintain their daily routine even while they’re away from home.
Presentable Conference Space
You may not be planning to meet with customers at your hotel. However, as a business traveler, it’s much better to have a presentable option than to be unable to host a meeting. If there isn’t an acceptable space onsite, the best business hotels will suggest options nearby.
A Full-Service, Easy to Use App
Mobile apps are one of the most recently requested hotel amenities for business travelers. Hotels that allow you to check-in at odd hours, lookup restaurant hours, order food service and find nearby attractions yourself via their mobile app can save you hours of time. A helpful staff is worth its weight in gold; an efficient app that lets business travelers skip the front desk is also worth searching for.
In-Room Technology
Some of the best business amenities hotels can offer are found right in the rooms. Plenty of electrical outlets are necessary for business travelers with laptops, phones and tablets to charge for their workday. Keyless room access can save business travelers plenty of time and trouble, while giving them peace of mind knowing that their room is securely locked. Keyless entry through a mobile app can also make re-bookings easier for returning guests.
Straight Forward Itemized Billing
Curating receipts for your company’s accounting department can be one of the most time-consuming tasks of your corporate travels. Ask hotel staff to itemize your receipts upon checkout, so both you and your company know exactly how you used your company card, eliminating any grey areas.
Don’t neglect corporate lodging options that aren’t part of a hotel chain. Consider looking for these amenities in locally-owned boutique hotels, suites or rental brokers like Airbnb. This can be worth the extra research up front if you plan to spend dozens of weeks per year in one location and are looking for homey lodging.