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- Working on the road can be a stressful undertaking at times for both new and experienced business travelers.
- Where you choose to stay can play a significant role in your trip's level of ease.
- Many hotels offer services and amenities to make guests feel in control when away from home.
The idea of traveling for business on your company's dime may seem exciting at first. Fancy work dinners and five-star hotel stays without having to pay out-of-pocket appear almost too good to be true. But the reality for many seasoned business travelers can be far from glamorous. Constantly navigating unfamiliar surroundings, dealing with unexpected delays, and being away from the comforts and conveniences of home can turn what should be an adventurous prospect into a stressful undertaking.
Nonetheless, there are ways to help you maintain a sense of confidence and control no matter where your business travels lead. A significant part of the equation relies on selecting the right accommodation. Consider this guide your roadmap for transforming your next business trip into a stress-free and enjoyable experience.
1. Book lodging that is close to where you need to go
Proximity means more time for productivity, so choosing accommodations that are conveniently located near airports or your meeting destinations is key to ensuring your business trip goes smoothly. IHG's 6,000 hotels and resorts, for instance, are thoughtfully located within desirable yet accessible areas across the globe, from the American Midwest to Asia's Lion City, ensuring travelers have everything they need a stone's throw away.
2. Seek out a place that actually has good internet connectivity
According to a GBTA Study cited by JTB Business Travel, 97% of surveyors said high-speed internet is a top priority when it comes to hotel amenities. It's no surprise, especially in today's work landscape, where traditional office boundaries have blurred. A reliable internet connection is no longer a luxury; it's a necessity for getting things done. Over 5,000 IHG hotels worldwide now offer Wi-Fi Auto Connect – an effortless way to automatically join the internet without separate login codes or passwords.
Hotels like Crowne Plaza are designed to accommodate remote workers. Beyond just providing lightning-fast internet, guests have access to the hotel's 24-hour Business Center, WorkLife Rooms, and the Plaza Workspace lobby, where solo workers can concentrate and productive team collaborations can take place. And, lunch runs aren't necessary as digital tablets within the Plaza Workspace allow workers to conveniently order food and drinks straight to them.
3. Find accommodations with on-property services or rentals
Even the most seasoned business traveler can't always control every aspect of their trip. Choosing hotels that can roll with life's punches will make your time away easier. Consider finding a hotel with 24-hour laundry facilities, so when you accidentally spill lunch on your favorite blazer or button-up, it's just a quick wash away from being back in action. Luxury hotels like Vignette Collection can even hook guests up with same-day dry cleaning.
And we all know last-minute trips can leave us packing in a frenzy, and sometimes, not everything makes it into the suitcase. Forgot your toothbrush or computer charger? Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants provides a variety of toiletries and tech gadgets free of charge. Left your sunglasses at home? You can rent those, too. Kimpton's partnership with the fashionable clothing brand Anthropologie allows guests to borrow the accessories needed to complete their look.
4. Make time for yourself after a long day on the job
All work and no play is simply no good. After a day's worth of meetings and endless grind, it's important to decompress. If you have the energy, venture to a local restaurant for dinner and drinks or explore the town's attractions.
And for those facing more days of work ahead, exercise can be a game-changer for managing stress, reducing fatigue, and improving concentration. Make the most of the hotel amenities, whether it's hitting the fitness center or taking a refreshing dip in the swimming pool.
EVEN Hotels are designed with wellness at their core. Guests have their choice of three unique room types with various exercise equipment like fitness walls and spin bikes, access to a 24/7 Athletic Studio, spa-like showers, and a signature sleep experience that includes dimmable lighting. For fuel, the EVEN Kitchen & Bar delivers snacks and balanced meals that help maintain your routine or indulge.
Other IHG hotels such as Kimpton and InterContinental also feature full-service luxury spas and in-room treatments to give guests a chance to recharge and feel their best for the workday ahead.
5. Sign up for a rewards program
Good deals shouldn't have to stop in the boardroom — joining a rewards program is a win-win for hotels and guests alike. The GBTA Study highlighted that loyalty programs are favored among 55% of the surveyed respondents. Offering your patronage to a particular hotel company can lead to substantial savings on your accommodations and open the door to complimentary perks such as meals, drinks, and room upgrades.
Little things go a long way, too. IHG One Rewards, for example, allows members to be rewarded in their own way, offering exceptional choice and personalization. Cushy extras range from free Wi-Fi and late checkout times to complimentary upgrades and free breakfast. Enrolling in IHG Business Rewards also earns frequent business travelers points every time you book accommodations, meetings, and events.
Learn how IHG Hotels & Resorts can accommodate your next business trip.
This post was created by Insider Studios with IHG Hotels & Resorts.