Whether you are a seasoned business traveller or an employee who visits interstate annually for a business-related gathering, choosing the most appropriate accommodation to allow you to conduct business professionally is very important.
Believe it or not, even the smallest of details and facilities on offer by your chosen accommodation can and do make a big difference. When you go on a business trip there are many elements to consider. The price of the hotel itself is certainly one of the main determining factors, but also reviews by other travellers and key issues such as location and services.
Here are our recommendations of the top 5 things you need to look for when planning your accommodation for your next business trip.
1. Location and proximity
One of the most important things to consider when choosing accommodation for business travellers has to be its location and proximity to the city’s landmarks and your place of meeting. Whilst there are always local transportation services on offer, sometimes it is nice to be able to take a stroll to work each day as well as feeling safe wandering around the tourist spots after a hard day’s work. We don’t always conduct business inside so knowing you have access to a local café or park may be just what you need.
Your hotel’s location needs to be in a convenient area for work, and play! Make sure you consider its location and proximity to your business needs before you book in.
2. In room services
After a long day doing business it is always nice to retire to your room for peace and quite, comfort and some quality room service. And then of course work calls (again!) and chances are you will need access to fast and reliable Wi-Fi to answer emails and prepare for the next day’s events.
There’s nothing worse than a poor Internet connection when you are on a deadline or trying to conduct a conference call.
Whether your chosen business accommodation offers in room Wi-Fi or free Wi-Fi in a fully equipped business lounge, make sure that you can access it as part of your room fee without any extra costs.
Appropriate space to work in your room is also a bonus. A proper desk that is more than a bedside table is a must.
3. Accommodation facilities
Your choice of accommodation whilst on a business trip is important. Not only will you need a comfortable, clean and safe place to sleep but also if you are hoping to conduct meetings from your hotel too, you are going to need suitable professional facilities.
Look for a hotel that can offer you serviced conference rooms or a spacious meeting room with the set up you’ll need. By using a meeting space as a neutral location to conduct business, you’ll have one less thing to worry about.
White boards, access to power points, and even tea and coffee making facilities all help to make your business meeting all the more comfortable and successful.
4. Loyalty programs
We all love our loyalty programs. From supermarkets to coffee shops, and airlines to hotels, free to join reward programs are popular and with good reason. If you are a seasoned traveller, it is well worth the effort to sign up to a hotel loyalty program or choose your accommodation where one exists.
Even if you only stay a few nights a year, you will be amazed at the benefits you can receive and the speed and ease at which you can clock up points without having to do anything extra.
Everything from discounts at the hotel restaurant to a free night away can be on offer, plus there are plenty of partner offers available too. Associated deals could include entry to a popular tourist site or a discount at a sister hotel in another state. Loyalty programs are well worth looking into before you lock in your accommodation.
5. Reliable transportation
Every business traveller knows the importance of pre-booking transportation when you travel interstate. Knowing you can walk from your plane directly into the care of a limousine driver who will drive you safely to your accommodation, conference or business meeting is so important.
Hughes Limousines offer you a range of vehicles that will not only impress you with their style but their professional drivers. You’ll be transported to your required location, for business or pleasure, on time, every time.
Eliminating the stress of navigating traffic in a strange city ensures you can arrive on time, in comfort and ready to work. That extra half an hour you can gain to read over your meeting notes or prepare for your next presentation is worth every cent of your chauffeur driven vehicle. Then, of course, there’s the hassle of trying to hire a car (which you can avoid) and knowing you need to give it the once over (whilst in a rush) so you aren’t nabbed for that dent on the side panel when you return it next week.
Reliable transportation whilst travelling interstate on business is just one of the top 5 things we recommend you consider. Not only is it helpful to have all the right features as part of your accommodation whilst on business, but knowing you can rely on a transportation service to help you get around is priceless.
Booking accommodation for your next business trip takes more than co-ordinating a flight. Planning ahead and making sure that your chosen hotel is in the most appropriate location, offers you the professional facilities you need as well as free Wi-Fi will ensure you can conduct business successfully and with less stress.
These are our 5 top recommendations when choosing accommodation for business travellers. What other tips could you suggest business travellers consider?
Booking accommodation for business travellers? Don’t forget transport! Contact Hughes for reliable chauffeur driven transportation when you next travel for business or pleasure.
