Updated: April 16, 2021

As business travel demand grows, accommodation providers need to make smarter investments to reflect on their status and find better ways to indulge travellers and ensure business continuity. Business travel made for an industry that costs $354 billion in the United States alone. This travel category can contribute to a hotel’s revenue if marketed properly. Modern marketers face various challenges when promoting their hotels. Unfortunately, they often don't realise the struggles and needs of business travellers.

Gone are the days of getting excited over coffee and a free newspaper. Instead, millennials (the second-largest travel group in spending which has yet to reach its point of maturation) values efficiency. This group is travelling more than ever before and has a tendency to combine business and leisure which has given way to the 'bileisure' segment. This group will reach their peak in travel spending in about 10-15 years, so they are here to stay and they are growing. By contrast, the largest group of baby boomers is decreasing in size and spending annually as they age.

Jamie Patterson, Global B2B Blog and Marketing Communications Lead at Тrivago The following article represents a broad spectrum of feedback from customers of Fair Point GmbH and additional research from reputable sources. These suggestions answer what do business travellers want in a hotel.

Primary Reasons to Choose a Hotel for Business Travel

There are five main attributes of a hotel which business travellers look for when booking their hotel:

• price;
• location;
• quietness and comfort;
• quality of the provided accommodation services;
• reliability;

Additionally, other features (such as amenities and facilities) often play a vital role when choosing a business travel accommodation.

What Do Business Travelers Want the Most in a Hotel?

Good Travel Connections

According to our clients, on average, a hotel should be reached in less than 30 minutes. It also should have access to a developed infrastructure with easy connections to major airports and rail stations. During big events, fairs and expos nearby, shuttle services represent a valuable asset for business travellers.

Supply of Plug Points for Charging Electrical Devices

A business traveller comes equipped with at least four electrical devices. A laptop, a smartphone, a tablet and a personal grooming device all push the demand for power outlets high.

Laundry Service and an Ironing Board

The hotel needs to have an iron to smooth out clothing. Whether it’s from packing or being in a rush, clothes do get wrinkled and having an iron available is a lifesaver.

Marc Prosser, Co-founder & Publisher of Fit Small Business

There are many travel hacks like folding and distributing your luggage that reduce wrinkles on clothing. But no matter how professional they are executed, it’s unlikely shirts and suits will come out ready to wear. That is why a clean iron and an ironing board are extremely valued by clients on business trips.

A Good Night’s Sleep

When you are on the road, you want to have a restful place to sleep. I will choose a hotel room that has blackout curtains and a comfortable mattress if it means being well-rested during a business trip.

Melissa da Silva, President of Contiki Vacations

80% of travellers get no more than 8 hours of sleep per night. Uninterrupted sleep is important - a quiet environment along with a do not disturb sign is crucial for a restful night.

Healthy Onsite Eating Options

Recent trends show the modern business traveller leads a healthy lifestyle. This makes food one of the main concerns while away from home. Healthy onsite options should include fresh fruit, vegetables as well as meat and vegetarian or vegan courses. A quarter of all travellers would prefer dishes prepared with locally grown organic produce.

Additional options which hotel restaurants offer to business travellers are:

• Early Breakfast – morning meals available from 6 AM have proven as a big selling point for business hotels and chains.
• Packed Lunch – the majority of business guests can’t attend the lunch at the hotel.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi Within the Restaurant and Room Premises – travellers from this category are multitaskers who check their email, news and trends all while eating.
• Local Culinary Showcase – our clients are ready to enjoy local influences and new culinary experiences as a perk to always being on the road.

Gym – Fitness Facility

As said, the modern business person is considering a healthy lifestyle. On a trip, travellers are challenged to stay on track with their fitness performance. An in-house gym and spa are both selling points for a business traveller when choosing their hotel.

A great example of a campaign that targets amateur and pro athletes and runners is Westin's running concierges. At select locations, travellers can schedule a meeting with a running instructor who will guide them through local routes and give them tips about posture, diet and running habits. A themed concierge program can be very beneficial to your hotel and show you understand the needs of modern-day business travellers.

Things Business Travellers Want the Most in a Hotel - Infographic

At Fair Point, we understand how important it is for our business clients to find the ideal hotel that offers them the full package - from healthy meals and fitness facilities to strong WiFi and a comfortable meeting room. We take our job very seriously and try to accommodate the individual needs of each company. So why don’t you tell us what you are looking for and let our expert consultants find you the most suitable hotel for your business trip?