Hotels do not differ only in luxury! If you are traveling for business, some locations can be significantly more helpful with whatever you may need
If you know someone who understands a lot about cars, clothes, coffee, perfumes or wine, you surely already know that you should never say that cars, perfumes etc. are “all the same”. That person will probably lecture on the differences between those items for the following hour(s).
Differentiation has become a main goal to pursue in the modern industry. After all, there are so many competitors in all fields that it is easy to be overlooked by your target audience. On this article, we are going to discuss that topic from a very specific point of view: the hotel industry.
Let’s get started: did you know that business hotels differ from leisure ones in many ways?
What is a business hotel, after all?
The most intuitive answer is that business hotels target professionals, whether alone or with a group. They generally stay there to attend conferences and/or to work in the city for some days. However, there is a more relevant question to ask: what makes those hotels attractive to them?
First of all, location. Business hotels are typically close to airports, conference halls, corporate buildings, and subway and train stations. This way, guests can attend their appointments while spending little time and money on transportation. In most corporate trips, every hour matters.
Parallel to that, any modern business hotel pursues efficiency and sustainability. Since that is a complex topic, we are going to discuss it over the next topics. For now, we have written a handy table with objective points on which business hotels are different from leisure-oriented hotels.
Core differences from leisure hotels
| Feature | Business Hotels | Leisure Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Close to airports and business centers | Close to tourist areas and attractions |
| Amenities | Desks, fast Wi-Fi, many power outlets | Large TV, scenic views, themed décor |
| Facilities | Event rooms, co-working area, printers | Pool, spa, leisure zones, playground |
| Dining | Early breakfast and quick meal options | Gourmet dining, extended hours |
| Flexibility | Early check-in and late check-out | Rigid hours, flexible room occupation |
| Clientele | Corporate travelers alone or in a group | Families, couples, tourist groups |
Key characteristics of a business hotel
Now that we have set those hotels apart from leisure ones, we can focus on their unique traits. As mentioned above, business hotels are focused on productivity; think of them as extensions of the office rather than a second home. Their main goal is to help you with your work activities.
Another relevant characteristic is sustainability. Business hotels strive to make their operation clean, offering high-quality services with as few resources as possible. Since they do not need to impress, they can optimize multiple aspects of their activities compared to leisure hotels.
Enhanced services and amenities
You can expect many convenience services such as 24/7 concierge and express laundry. Most business hotels also offer dedicated apps for check-in, check-out, and service requests. They also provide their own airport shuttles and, in some cases, access to nearby business centers.
Technology integration and innovation
Internet of Things is widely present here; expect apps for controlling lights and A/C, and smart TVs that pair with your laptop. There are also meeting rooms for small and large groups, always with high-tech features for presentations. Automated check-in procedures are also common.
Sustainability & ESG practices
Modern business hotels are built with eco-friendly certifications such as LEED and Green Key. That means their infrastructure was made to consume little energy and water, and to dispose of waste in a sustainable way. Responsible sourcing and green policies are other top features.
Wellness & work-life balance
You know what they say about all work and no play. Business hotels often have wellness areas like gyms, spas and saunas to help you unwind, as well as sleep-enhancing setups and healthy dining options. In fact, their whole decoration is made to dissipate the stress of a work routine.
Loyalty programs and corporate perks
Frequent guests can benefit from membership programs at a business hotel. You may obtain a discount on your next stay, or perks such as an upgraded room at no extra cost. Many of those places also have partnerships with airlines and credit cards, and special prices for companies.
Global and Local Perspectives
We should also mention regional differences which arise. Business hotels in Asia, for example, tend to offer smaller rooms than in the US. They may also have larger windowed areas in Rio de Janeiro, a touristic city, than in São Paulo. That is part of what makes a business hotel unique.
What can we conclude?
Just like cars, clothes, coffee, perfumes and wine, there are many business hotels for a reason. Some of them are cheaper, others are high-tech… There are hotels with services to help you in every way while others give you freedom, and so on. You should not overlook those differences.
Once you make a shortlist of the business hotels that better suit the needs of your coworkers, it will be time to check online reviews. By following those steps, you will be on your way to finding the very best hotel to make your corporate trip efficient, sustainable and productive all at once!
