The Savvy Business Traveller’s Guide to Hotels
Hotel life can be a mixed bag for the jet-setting business traveler. One day you’re in a suite with views to kill, the next you’re stuck in a shoebox overlooking an all-night diner. But fear not fellow travellers. This guide is designed to unearth the secrets of the shrewd business voyager – how to be smart, sophisticated, and – dare I say – savvy when dealing with hotel reservations and stays for business.
Embrace the Loyalty Programs
Who doesn’t appreciate a little loyalty? Hotels certainly do. They love it so much, they’re willing to reward you for it. So, don’t be an accommodation nomad, flitting from chain to chain. Loyalty programs offer you perks including free WiFi, upgrades, discounts, and even complimentary nights. I don’t know about you, but the word ‘complimentary’ is my favorite five-star word.
Check In Late
Here’s a tip that’s against the grain, but hear me out. Contrary to popular belief, an early check-in might not always get you the best room. If you saunter in later, when the early birds have taken their worm, a hotel is more likely to know which upgraded rooms they can offer to valued guests such as yourself. Well, look at you – swinging in last minute and landing a suite.
Don’t Underestimate the Value of Reviews
To trust or not to trust online hotel reviews, that’s the conundrum. While they may sometimes be tainted with bias, they can often shed light on important details other sources won’t mention. Seek a balanced perspective, read equal amounts of good and bad reviews and identify common issues. There’s no better council than from those who’ve trod before you.
Location, Location, Location
As the famous saying in the real estate industry goes, what matters is location, location, location. For business travelers, location is indeed everything and that’s no joking matter. Hotels close to your business meetings or conventions save commuting time. Also, amenities such as restaurants, convenience stores, and entertainment in close proximity will serve you beyond your business needs.
The Art of Negotiation
As a business person, negotiating is second nature, right? Put this skill to use when booking your hotel. It might be an alien concept to negotiate room rates with a hotel, but you’d be surprised how often this succeeds. Hotels would rather fill a room at a lower rate than see it vacant, particularly if it’s last minute. So, ask the question, and you might just bag yourself a bargain.
Decoding Room Types
Ever wondered what’s the difference between a ‘Deluxe’ room and a ‘Superior’ room? Me neither, but if jargon baffles you, don’t shy away from asking what exactly you’re booking. Hotel room categories can be a minefield of confusion, but understanding them will ensure you claim what’s rightfully yours. It’s a small subtlety, but sometimes it’s the small things that matter most.
Seize the Day (Or the Week)
Traveling for business isn’t all work and no play. Take advantage of the opportunity to explore and discover. Seek out hotel weekday deals for your business trips, and stretch it into the weekend. Many hotels offer significant deals for weekend stays as they typically cater to the business crowd during the week. Work smart, play hard, right?
Now, as someone astutely observed, “the worst thing about being a tourist is having other tourists recognize you as a tourist.” So, don’t be a tourist. Be the business adventurer, the hotel connoisseur, the savvy traveler who knows how to get the most from their hotel stay. Hotels can make or break your business venture. So be smart, be savvy, but most importantly, make it work for you – after all, this is business.