While most travelers associate hotels with leisure and vacation, some folks see them as their temporary homes when working from place to place. For business travelers, it’s important to stay at a hotel that won’t only foster productivity but will also make them feel more at home during their business trip.
Travelling for business anytime soon? Check out these tips to create a hotel setting you’ll feel comfortable working and sleeping.
1. Safety first
Hotel security is a major concern for frequent travelers. A 2018 study suggests that 27% of all business travelers have felt unsafe when staying in hotels and half of all business travelers fear intruders.
Fire, terrorist attacks, lack of privacy, and theft concerns are some of the risks associated with hotels. Stay safe by knowing how to deal with these situations:
- Stay at hotels that offer restricted access.
- When checking in, don’t tell your name out loud. You can also give your first initial and last name for privacy concerns.
- Never ever give out your room number
- Put the “do not disturb” sign when going out
- Consider picking rooms on floors four to six, which are just enough for ladder trucks to reach.
- Stay close to the stairwell or fire exit
- Avoid staying on the ground floor, which can make you an easy target for robberies and room entries.
2. Whenever possible, stick with one hotel chain
Do you travel for work frequently? Be loyal to a particular hotel brand, especially if they cater to business travellers. Signing up for the loyalty programs of the hotel you stay in does come with perks. You’ll earn rewards, discounts, and better experiences, like free breakfasts, lounge access, guaranteed last-minute rooms, and free night stays.
3. Prioritise comfort when selecting the right hotel
Business travellers tend to neglect relaxation and comfort when looking for hotels. They prioritise hotels with amenities and services that’ll help with their work, including speedy Wi-Fi, outlets, meeting rooms, and business centres. But keep in mind that a good business-friendly hotel not only includes work-related amenities but also offers a relaxing stay.
This hotel in Dublin, for instance, makes business travellers feel at home with their king-sized beds, power shower, fitness facilities, and sumptuous Full Irish Breakfast. They also have serviced apartments that are fully equipped with a kitchen, dining area, and living area.
4. Unpack upon arrival
Nothing makes you feel more at home in a business hotel than clearing out your suitcase and placing your clothes in the closet provided. Fold casual clothes neatly and hang dress shirts, pants, and jackets as needed. Just don’t forget to inspect the hotel room first before unpacking.
5. Set up a makeshift office
We often hear it’s unhealthy to take your office work at home, and unprofessional to bring personal issues to the office. While it sounds tricky, it’s possible to separate work and personal life even when you’re in a small hotel room.
Designate an area for work-related tasks and an area for personal use. You can use the in-room desk for your laptop and paperwork and use the bed solely for rest and relaxation.
6. Create hotel habits
Are you a frequent traveler? Do you tend to stay in a different hotel every night or every week? Create hotel habits, like being consistent about where you place things. Not only will it make everything organized — in the case of fire alarms and evacuations, but you’ll also be able to grab everything quickly.
7. Use the pool to relax and work out
Why settle for a cramped hotel gym if you can do your workout in a spacious pool area? The hotel pool isn’t just a playground for the little ones – it can also be a nice place to get some exercise. You can have the pool all to yourself during off-peak times.
8. Bring your own coffee beans
If coffee is a crucial part of your morning ritual, you know how a single cup of coffee can make or break your day. Instead of guessing whether today’s complimentary coffee would be too bland or too strong, bring your own coffee. You can also bring a portable coffee maker.
9. Invest in noise-canceling tools
Some people find it hard to get a good night’s sleep in a place that’s not their own. The noise from the outside can make things worse.
Deal with the potential noise by investIng in noise-canceling earphones or sleep buds. You can also stream music apps and listen to white noises and soothing sounds.
10. Don’t hesitate to ask the staff for stuff
Do you need to iron your wrinkled shirts? Or style your hair for an important lunch meeting? Hotels are likely to have in-room iron and hairdryer. If not, you can always ask the hotel staff for them. You can even request a different pillow.
Think of your hotel as your home away from home — and the staff as friends you can rely on during such challenging times.
Author Bio: Carmina Natividad is a passionate travel blogger who dreams of managing her very own hotel. This free-spirited damsel loves to share her insights about travel, lifestyle, personal finance, and business. To know more about hotels and travel blogs, you may visit Aspect Hotel Park West Dublin.
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