People generally travel for one of two reasons -- business or pleasure. While the business side has declined a bit in the age of instant messages, webcams, and video conferencing, it is still an important part of the travel industry. According to the most recent numbers, corporate trips account for about 35 percent of the U.S. market. As you might imagine, these folks don't travel like tourists. They look for and expect different things from their chosen airlines, hotels, and rental car agencies. Since accommodations offer the greatest opportunity for savings, we will talk about the hotel selection process. The Market Choosing the right accommodations is easy if you know what to look for. Because they almost always stay in the same establishment, offering the promise of repeat business, hotels absolutely adore corporate guests. Most offer a myriad of special services to lure them in. Conference rooms, wireless high-speed internet, and 24-hour dry cleaning are services most of the top chains offer their working guests. But, travelers would be wise to consider more than mere amenities when it is time to book a room. What To Look For First and most importantly, you should make sure the establishment is in a safe neighborhood, and that it is close to the airport. Remember, you are not traveling for fun. You are there to do a job! The faster you can get to the airport, the faster you will get home. It is also important to note that when the establishment is close to the airport, you may not need a rental car. You may be able to take a hotel shuttle service, which will help you save on the trip. It may also give you the option of staying in a nicer establishment since most business travelers have fixed budgets. Services & Amenities As we mentioned earlier, hotel amenities are important. In addition to high-speed Internet and conference rooms, many of the top hotels have business centers. These fully-functioning offices are equipped with copiers, computers, printers, and fax machines for their guests. If you are planning on wining and dining a potential client, you should also find out if there are a few good restaurants in the area or on the premises. Once again, picking the right hotel is all about convenience and proximity. If the closest eatery is half an hour away, it might interfere with set travel schedules. A Final Word To locate an appropriate establishment, it is also important to find one that does not cater to tourists. The reason most corporate travelers prefer hotels by the airport isn't only because they are close by. Business guests seldom want to see the sights or paint the town. More often than not, they are tired after a long trip and simply want to get some sleep. As a result, it is not only important to select the right establishment, but also the right room. To do so, you should always avoid accommodations near the restaurant, pool, or lobby, since places where people gather are bound to be noisy at all hours of the night and during the day.
Related Articles -
Hotel, Hotels, Hotel Rooms,
|