Be More Productive on Your Next Business Trip– Hotel Tips for Business Travelers

Hotel Booking for Business Travel

Ever get to a hotel only to learn that they don’t have an internet connection? (When was the last time you used dial-up?). Or need to run off a few last minute copies of your presentation only to find there is not a copy machine in sight? This is a know-before-you-guide to making sure you have everything you need for a successful business trip.

First mistake, don’t assume that higher priced hotels have better business services. The truth is it is actually the budget brands that cater to the business traveler. From self-service business centers to complimentary wireless internet, they are more often better equipped to accommodate the road warrior. Many, including Hampton Inn, Garden Inn, La Quinta and Holiday Inn Express offer complimentary wireless internet.  Be sure to inquire about this service before making a reservation. For hotels that charge for internet, ask them to waive it. In many cases, they will waive this charge in order to confirm your booking. As for business center services, try to locate a Kinko’s or copy center near your hotel. They often have better equipment and will charge you far less.

If you are staying in a hotel that has concierge services, use them! When you plan on entertaining clients or need to purchase a special gift, the concierge is trained to have the inside track on the best places to go – even difficult to come by event tickets. They are also an excellent resource for everything from directions to secretarial services or even that very well earned massage after a long day.

Finding a Clean Hotel Room

A Clean Hotel Room

While traveling a hotel room is considered to be your second home with some exceptions – strangers might have slept there, and the hotel staff may not be as peculiar about keeping the room clean as you are. You might prefer to stay at a hotel as you get all the comforts and time to relax when someone else is there to do all your work. But, in terms of sanitization, a neatly made bed does not equal a germ-free room.

A recent study conducted by the University of Virginia found that people infected with a cold who spent a night in a hotel room left contagious germs on nearly 35 percent of objects they touched. Are you prepared for a dirty bedspread, a scummy toilet or even a bed bug infestation? It’s highly unlikely that a slightly soiled bathroom floor will put your life in danger, yet an unclean hotel room could affect your health. Here are a few tips that will help you to make sure that you get a clean hotel room on your next trip.