The Top Hotel Needs for Today’s Business Traveller
When it comes to accommodation, today’s business travellers require a lot more than a bed for the night. In fact, travel policies have moved beyond price in order to meet the needs of business travellers, allowing for convenience, safety, connectivity and a host of different value-adds.
According to Jonathan Scott, FCM South Africa's Senior Account Manager, corporate travellers want to be looked after, feel safe, and be productive, which means hotels are stepping up and offering extra space, seamless connectivity and personalised service.
What are the needs of a business traveller?
It’s important to remember that business travellers have specific needs and preferences – and they actually want to be more comfortable than at home. Trips can be stressful, they’re away from their family and daily routine, and want to ensure that their trip goes smoothly. This means the majority of corporate travellers now prioritise 6 key things:
1. Location
It goes without saying that most business travellers want to be close to the action (aka meeting or event venue) so they don’t face a long commute or get caught up in traffic.
2. Convenience
More than location, this talks to a hotel’s service, accessibility and amenities. Do they offer a transport/shuttle service? Or 24-hour room service? Even an iron and ironing board can be an important consideration for frequent travellers. Ditto a gym or onsite spa.
But for Jonathan, the biggest conveniences are now around self-check-in. “Self-check-in kiosks, often simply with an iPad or tablet, allow guests to skip the queue and check-in quickly, activate a key card, and even make dinner reservations,” says Jonathan. “Savvy travellers – and hotels – are using tech to their advantage, and digital documentation and mobile apps are all great when it comes to paperless, contactless and convenient travel.”
3. Comfort
After a long day, a business traveller requires a comfortable bed. So much so, that more and more hotels are investing in their sleep experience, providing everything from luxury linen to soundproof rooms, air filtration and temperature control. Of course, other touches are also important, with travellers hoping for all the comforts of home (including fresh milk in the minibar, rusks, robes and a roomy bathroom).
4. Connectivity
A massive consideration for today’s business travellers, who need fast, reliable and secure Wi-Fi. Not to ention a good supply of easily accessible plug points!
Remote work culture means that hotels are working hard to ensure travellers have the space – and bandwidth – to do their jobs. This includes providing a workspace or business centre, meeting rooms and conference facilities complete with the tech required for virtual conferencing.
5. Sustainability
For Jonathan this is the biggest shift, with businesses (and their travellers) more eco-aware than ever before.
6. Safety
Business travellers want to feel secure in their hotel of choice, both within the premises and in the surrounding area. A safe hotel ensures that guests can relax, sleep peacefully and move around without any concerns about their personal safety and wellbeing.
Jonathan explains that travellers are also increasingly concerned about the impact of load shedding in South Africa, with assurances around power supply – and water supply – now top of mind when travellers book.
What are the biggest mistakes and misconceptions when it comes to booking a hotel room?
Let’s be honest, even the most seasoned business travellers make the odd mistake when booking a hotel room. For Jonathan the most common errors include:
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Not considering the room layout, particularly when colleagues opt for a twin room but discover an open bathroom on arrival.
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Not requesting early check-in, which is important for international travellers arriving on an early flight (safe, secure luggage storage is also important).
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Not confirming a hotel’s restaurant or catering options (24-hour room service is a must for late arrivals).
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Forgetting to ask what other events are happening in the destination at the same time (for example, trying to book a hotel room in Durban during the Durban July!). Big events affect availability and pricing.
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Assuming that a 3-Star grading is the same in your destination as it is in South Africa – when tourism gradings differ across the world.
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Not confirming public transport options (in some countries, e-hailing services are not available – or safe).
Jonathan says that not only will a travel management company (TMC) vet all accommodation options and answer all your questions, but they’ll make sure your needs and preferences are met (including ensuring that the shower is not in the bath, if you prefer!).
The benefits of booking with a TMC
In short, a TMC will make sure you’re treated like a VIP; get exclusive perks, including early check-in, late check-out, free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free room upgrades; and ensure that all your loyalty points are tracked and pulled through. And if you book through your TMC’s hotel programme you’ll have increased flexibility when it comes to cancellations and changes. Not to mention preferred rates.
Most importantly, your TMC will make sure all hotels are safe and clean – and able to deliver in terms of location, convenience, comfort and wellbeing.
If you’d like more information around our hotel programmes, rates or billback processes (we make payment easy, too!), give us a shout.