The Savvy Flipside of Business Travel: Perfecting The Art of the Hotel Stay
Admit it, my road-warrior comrades, even the highly efficient and well-prepared among us have experienced the occasional tear-your-hair-out hotel-stay debacle. Is it the instant regret as you step into your room and see the no-man’s land view? Or perhaps the torturous night of poorly insulated walls echoing every sneeze, sniffle, or more offensive nocturnal emissions from your neighbor. But fear not, for I am here to share some keen insights to make your next business trip a hotel heaven rather than a vacation from hell.
The Early Bird Gets the Best Room
Ever heard of the saying, “the early bird gets the worm”? Well in this case, the savvy business traveler gets the primo hotel room. Arriving earlier in the day rather than closer to midnight, you increase the odds of getting room options. This way, you’ll avoid getting stuck with what no one wanted and might even score that quiet, corner room
Research, Research, Research!
Don’t book blindly. Zoom in on the details: Is the mega hotel located next to an all-night discotheque? Does that borough have a record for increasing higher crime rate? These are things a simple Google maps and local news review can tell you. Visit travel websites and heed the reviews. If dozens of guests moan about the pillows, believe them.
Loyalty is King
Loyalty programs are a parallel universe where free nights, upgrades, late checkouts, and other perks can be yours. The rewards stretch beyond just hotel benefits. Ever fantasize about skipping the long queue at the car rental counter or snagging more legroom on your next flight? It’s all possible in the realm of points and miles.
The Power of the Front Desk
That person behind the front desk? They hold the key (sometimes literally) to your comfort. Treat them with respect and you’re likely to reap the rewards. Need a later checkout? Bar fridge emptied for your own drinks? Feather pillows? Your wish is often their command. Just ensure to leave the entitlement at home and pack your politeness.
Travel Light
Your hotel room is a temporary home, not a storage unit. Resist the urge to unpack everything into hotel drawers and closets. Unpack only what you’ll use — it’s not only more efficient, but also helps ensure nothing is left behind at checkout.
Stay Healthy
Staying fit on business trips can be a challenge, but a little planning can make a world of difference. Investigate if the hotel offers a gym or partnering with local fitness centers. Or you can always go for old favorites like running or walking – a bonus opportunity to explore your surroundings.
Food for Thought
Struggling to maintain a healthy diet while traveling? Fear not! Many business-friendly hotels have jumped onto the foodie bandwagon and now offer fuss-free, nutritious options for the health-conscious voyager. Also, the front desk can guide you to great local restaurants catering to your dietary preferences.
Hotel stays needn’t be an unpleasant, necessary evil of business travel. Applying the above nuggets of wisdom can take the grandeur out of your home and place it into an equally comfortable hotel room. After all, we are not simply business travelers; we are thriving, living, evolving road warriors. And we might as well do this in style.
