As a frequent business traveler, I have learned the hard way that not all business hotels are created equal. I use SpotSelector.com for reliable reviews and Reserva.com to filter the available options, but there are certain things I always look for before booking. Over the years, I have found that these four factors are what differentiate a premier business hotel from the rest.
Location and Accessibility
My first consideration is the location, and I am never disappointed! No matter how nice the hotel is, if it’s not where I need to be, it’s of no use. I always look for hotels near meeting spaces, convention facilities or business areas. If the stay is somewhere convenient to public transportation or highway access, then that’s a plus as I can avoid wasting valuable time commuting.
What I usually do is check the hotel map on SpotSelector.com to make sure it’s located in a convenient location. The central location helps me keep my appointments and avoid the stress of being late.
Commercial facilities
You would expect more than a luxurious room in the best business hotels in the world. My business services keep me productive when I travel. I want good, fast Internet, places to meet, and access to a business center.
I always make sure the hotel has suitable meeting rooms and equipment before booking. Advantages include conference rooms with projectors, video conferencing capabilities, and audiovisual support. And hotels that offer these types of amenities help me keep up with work when I’m traveling.
I am also looking for complementary services such as business concierge support, printing or photocopying. These little extras can help make my stay more enjoyable, especially when I’m on a deadline.
Room quality and comfort
The space itself can make or break a hotel stay. I just don’t like working the way Walter Mitty is so desperate to get out of one, like he feels invisible at work and needs to travel. When I travel for business, I stay somewhere quiet and comfortable after meetings. I’m the first to look up a room size online and squint at pictures to see if you have space to work with, preferably, but not necessarily, a good desk, comfortable chair, and lighting.
I am also picky about the bed. I need a good night’s sleep after a long day and I don’t want to wake up sore or restless. I’m also looking for things like coffee makers, mini refrigerators, and in-room safes. They are small luxuries that make me feel more at home.
Cleaning and Hygiene
Cleanliness is non-negotiable. The last thing I want is to be stuck in a dirty or uncomfortable hotel room. Before booking, I check reviews on SpotSelector.com to see if other guests mention cleanliness. If someone mentions dirty rooms or poor cleaning, I don’t waste time and move on to another possibility.
I make sure to give special attention to the bathroom. Clean towels, a sparkling sink and a spotless shower are non-negotiable. In my experience, if a hotel does a good job of keeping the place clean, it usually offers better service on all other levels, and it’s an indication of how good your trust should be during your stay.
Customer service
Customer service makes a peaceful stay possible. Hotels are expensive these days, and if I travel for work, I don’t want to be bothered with things that the hotel staff could have handled. I always look at reviews to see if other guests say the staff was helpful, responsive, and very professional.
I prefer hotels where staff respond quickly to requests, whether it’s extending my stay, ordering a taxi, or arranging a meeting room at the last minute. A friendly, willing staff can really make my hotel stay enjoyable, especially when I have work deadlines piling up and I’m feeling nervous about the trip.
Final thoughts
The perfect business hotel is not just a place to sleep. The good location, business facilities, quality of rooms, cleanliness and friendliness of the hotel staff are important factors contributing to the success of my trip. Tools like SpotSelector.com and Booking.com help me find hotels with these characteristics. By taking that time to check those factors, when you take your next business trip, you’ll be ready for it, calm, smooth in traffic, and productive.
