Are you heading out for a business trip? You don’t have to settle for an average hotel while you’re gone. It would help if you found the right place for your needs.
Corporate guests comprise the hotel demographic, and some brands cater to making your stay beyond basic. You have choices that include high-quality amenities, various restaurant options, and room upgrades.
No longer is business boring; now, it’s downright luxurious if you do it correctly. The key is to learn how to look for and request in-demand accommodations. These tips will help you get upscale results from any hotel you choose.
1. Stick With Business Hotels
Hotel chains and boutiques that cater to corporate clientele know what the weary traveler wants. To attract their share of this multi-billion dollar industry, the lodging businesses that market themselves as business-centric have revamped their amenities to solve these needs.
As you search for your next hotel, streamline your search to “corporate” or “business” hotels only. You’ll get corporate discounts, on-site meeting rooms and office spaces, and in-room features workers need on the road.
Some of the most popular amenities requested by corporate travelers include:
- An updated and hygienic fitness center
- Healthy dining options and grab-and-go snack offerings
- Quick turnaround laundry service
- In-room espresso machines
- Well-stocked minibars
- Spacious bathtubs and showers
- Comfy beds and linens and a pillow menu
Do any of these amenities sound like what you’ve missed on your previous work trips? If so, you’ve been staying at the wrong hotels. Change your search filters only to show business-centric choices, then narrow your options by your favorite amenities.
2. Personalize Your Preferences
Your communication with the hotel doesn’t stop when you book your room. If you contact the hotel directly or through your booking platform, you may be able to request changes to personalize your stay.
The more friendly the hotel is with your company (and you), the easier it is to get these upgrades. Try to book through your business as often as possible, and use the same hotel if you find one you love.
When you do, you can email or call and request things you prefer, such as:
- A room with a view or on a particular floor
- Rooms away from the elevator, so there isn’t as much traffic while you’re trying to rest
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Discounts on hotel amenities, like spa services and on-site dining
- Extra or specific toiletries
- Streaming services in the room
- A complete set of clean linens
- Upgraded rooms
- An early choice from the pillow menu
If you’re starving and “hungry” when you get off the plane, you can call the hotel and request room service to be waiting for you when you get to your room.
Who knew all these amenities were yours if you wanted them? The saying goes, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always no.”
3. Sign Up for Corporate Loyalty Programs
Does your company have a corporate loyalty program with any hotels? You can jump on board, use theirs to get discounted rooms, and then open your own to collect personal points.
Loyalty programs give customers points or benefits. These points can be redeemed for discounts, rewards, upgrades, or free products. The programs aim to encourage repeat business and increase consumer trust.
Each brand’s loyalty program has different incentives. You’ll probably see rewards like:
- Discounts on merchandise (in stores at the hotel and at affiliated outside retailers)
- Access to upgraded rooms
- Merchandise giveaways
- Limited edition merchandise offers
- Annual birthday gifts
The points add up, but check each program to ensure they don’t expire or that you use them before they do.
4. Use Airport Lounges
Hotel accommodations are essential, but did you know you could also upgrade your air travel experience? If you’re traveling business class, you may have free or discounted access to the airline’s lounge.
American Airlines and Delta are two of the most popular lounges, but many smaller names offer versions for weary travelers. These lounges are designed to help travelers relax while waiting for their flight and are perfect for long layovers.
Instead of waiting in uncomfortable seats and eating unhealthy and expensive airport fare, head to the lounge. There, you can wait in style, take a hot shower or a nap, and drink or two while you eat a well-prepared meal. What better upgrade could you ask for?
Conclusion
Business trips don’t have to mean you’re away from home and “stuck” with what you get. Use those corporate perks, like business hotel amenities and airline upgrades, to enjoy your time on the road.