Travel has become an indispensable part of the process of expansion and globalization of businesses. Employees travel overseas to meet new clients, attend conferences & trade shows, perform staff training, conduct market research, engage in team building, and more. However, though overlooked, accommodations and comfort are essential to maintaining employee well-being and ensuring the successful completion of any business-oriented travel, ergo increasing its ROI. A well-rested traveler can increase the outcome of any business trip with enhanced productivity. There are several types of business travel accommodations available to the employees according to the budget and other requirements. Let us discover more about them in detail.
Different types of business travel accommodation options
1. Hotels
Hotels are a popular choice amongst business travelers due to their convenience of booking and excellent availability. Travelers can choose from luxury 5 and 4-star hotels to economical 3-star and budget hotels. Different types of hotels offer distinct services and amenities. Some of these amenities include room services, housekeeping, a gym, a spa, recreational centers, swimming pools, etc.
Special features
- Convenience, amenities, and services make hotels a popular choice
- Wide range of room types, from standard rooms to suites
- Services like room service, business centers, meeting rooms, and on-site dining options
2. Service apartments
Serviced apartments are good business travel lodging options for travelers who want to get a homely feeling and privacy while staying away from home. These apartments are fully furnished with luxury facilities such as air-conditioners, refrigerators, kitchenettes, living spaces, comfortable beds, laundry facilities, and much more. These kinds of apartments provide hotel-like services in a more relaxed environment.
Special features
- Fully furnished apartments with a homely feel
- Equipped with amenities like kitchenettes or full kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, and laundry facilities
- Suitable for longer business stays or those who prefer a residential experience
3. Extended stay hotels
As the name suggests, these business trip accommodation are specially designed to cater to the long-stay requirements of travelers. The hotels are equipped with comforting amenities and wholesome facilities. The hotels have large rooms usually with separate work areas. Further, as the accommodation is booked for an extended period of time, the rooms are available at discounted rates.
Special features
- Hotels specifically cater to long-term stays
- Larger rooms or suites with additional amenities like kitchenettes, laundry facilities, and work areas
- Designed to provide a comfortable and home-like environment for extended assignments
4. Corporate housing
Corporate housing refers to fully furnished guest houses that are arranged by corporate enterprises for temporary lodging solutions. This is a distinct type of stay provided by the corporates during the relocation of a new employee or transferring an old one to a new location. These are best for employees who are not aware of the city or location and have to search for a house while still carrying out the day-to-day responsibility of their job.
Special features
- Fully furnished apartments or houses rented temporarily
- Often arranged by companies for employees during business travel or relocations
- Offers more space and privacy compared to traditional hotel rooms, ideal for longer stays
5. Farmhouse near the airport
Offsite farmhouses are easy to get and offer world-class amenities at affordable prices. These kinds of facilities can be used for group travelers or team-building exercises. Some of the farmhouses come with large lawns, swimming pools, equipped halls, home theaters, and more. Further, corporates can use workspaces provided in the farmhouse for a short stay away from offices in a new location.
Special features
- Accommodations are offered through platforms like Paxes, including private rooms, apartments, and farmhouses
- Provides flexibility and often more affordable options, particularly for extended stays
- Suitability for remote business needs, such as reliable Wi-Fi and a suitable workspace
Suggested Read: 12 Top Hotel Safety Tips For Business Traveler
6. Boutique hotels
Boutique hotels are small and independent hotels, focusing on customized and unique living experiences. The hotels maintain distinct decor to differentiate themselves from various hotel chains. They are perfect for people looking to experience more personalized service with a mix of cultural flavors. They can be found in busy localities with generally medium to high tariffs.
Special features
- Smaller, independent hotels focusing on personalized service and unique experiences
- Stylish and themed rooms, intimate settings, and specialized amenities
- Ideal for business travelers seeking an intimate and upscale environment
7. Co-living spaces
A Community driven accommodation or co-living space is best for short stays. One should understand that the co-living spaces offer several room types with single, double, and so on occupancy types. Therefore privacy can be a major issue with these hotels. However, these hotels serve the purpose of offering short-term accommodation at very economical pricing. Further, travelers get to meet other guests and may build a network of talented individuals.
Special features
- Designed for community living, with shared areas like kitchens, living rooms, and workspaces
- Private bedrooms combined with the comfort of a furnished apartment and the social aspects of a shared living environment
- Cost-effective option for solo business travelers or those seeking a collaborative atmosphere.
What to consider when choosing corporate travel accommodation?
- One should select the accommodation that is conveniently located near the event or meeting venue to save time and cost of travel.
- While selecting the accommodation you should ensure high speed Wi-Fi access, business facilities, fitness center, and breakfast option is provided by the hotel.
- To save money, look for affordable options with heavy discounts and negotiated prices else always go with 5 or 4 star hotels.
- You should scout for safe location while selecting the hotel for your employees.
- The hotel should provide easy cancellation and check in options.
Evolution of business travel accommodation
- Technology Integration: The rise of online booking platforms and mobile apps has made it easier for travelers to research, book, and manage their accommodations.
- Personalization: Accommodation providers are increasingly offering personalized experiences as per the preferences and priorities of business travelers.
- Sustainability: There is growing awareness and demand for sustainable travel practices, leading to the emergence of eco-friendly accommodation options to reduce environmental impact.
While choosing the right hotel can be difficult for employees or travel managers working within a firm, one can always weigh out the various factors such as the purpose of travel and cost limitations. Next time ensure to research more on the types of business travel accommodations and make the right choice!
Suggested Read: What Is Hotel Prepayment And How Does It Work?
Business Travel Accommodations FAQs
Why is business travel important?
Business travel is important because, with the growth and globalization of business and therefore corporations becoming international, teams collaborating and dealing with clients or other teams from the same or different corporations now is a must and is a sign of a healthy and functional corporation. And to facilitate it, business travel is paramount.
What do business travel managers look for when booking accommodation for business travel?
Business travel managers can choose to book accommodation themselves or let employees choose their options. In both cases, there are certain criteria that they look for. They are the convenience of the traveler, amenities available like food or room service, vicinity to the city center and the business hub of the city, uninterrupted connectivity, and peaceful atmosphere so that business can also be conducted while in the comfort of the accommodation. Employees may also look for a stay that is very comfortable and luxurious.
What type of accommodation will fulfill travelers looking for peace, quiet, and more privacy?
For more reclusive stays away from city centers, Farmhouses or corporate housing are the prime choice, providing more privacy than hotels or serviced apartments while having great connectivity and similar amenities.
What are some non-conventional accommodation choices?
Boutique hotels provide a unique experience with every stay and co-living spaces provide a tidy yet budget option to travelers and employees traveling with constraints.
