What is it like inside business travel hotels

While more than$1 trillion is spent worldwide on corporate travel, the largest percentage is spent on business travel hotels. For many industries, travel is essential to keep companies running smoothly and business hotels cater specifically to their needs, offering professionals a blend of comfort and efficiency to facilitate a productive stay. They go beyond typical accommodation by incorporating services and amenities tailored to those who require functionality and convenience.

But what is it like inside business hotels? This article explores the facilities and services on offer, the type of hospitality roles available and how you can prepare for a career in the corporate travel industry.

What are business hotels?

Designed with the professional traveler in mind, these establishments often feature a contemporary aesthetic, with sleek designs that reflect a professional environment and extra space that offers separate living and sleeping areas. Located primarily in corporate districts or near major transportation hubs, they provide easy access to offices, convention centers and airports. Their goal is to create an environment where business can be conducted easily, even away from the office. It’s common for many firms to negotiate corporate rates with chains offering accommodation and services to professional clients. Some of the essential features and services of these hotels include:

• Conference facilities: meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology. These spaces range from small boardrooms for intimate meetings to large conference halls for events and presentations. High-speed internet, projectors, video conferencing tools and audio-visual equipment are standard
• Business centers: providing guests with access to computers, printers, fax machines and other office supplies. These centers are often available 24/7, allowing guests to work at any hour
• Wi-Fi and connectivity: reliable high-speed internet access throughout the property is essential. Business travelers rely on stable connections for emails, virtual meetings and remote work
• Comfortable workspaces: rooms include spacious desks, ergonomic chairs, adequate lighting and multiple power outlets to create a conducive work environment
• Concierge services: an invaluable resource, assisting with travel arrangements, restaurant reservations, event tickets and anything else a busy professional might need
• Fitness centers: many business hotels offer state-of-the-art health facilities, pools and sometimes wellness programs such as yoga classes or spa services
• Dining options: on-site restaurants cater to different tastes, from complimentary breakfasts and quick bites to fine dining. Room service is also typically available, providing flexibility for guests with tight schedules
• Transport services: transportation to and from airports and important business venues, helping guests navigate with ease

The importance of the hospitality industry for business travel

This sector plays a key role in creating positive guest experiences for corporate travelers. Business hotels are designed to provide comfortable work-travel accommodation, high-quality service and amenities. While fine linens, comfortable beds and a broad range of dining options are standard by chains, business hotels also typically offer workspaces and convenient facilities such as fitness centers and meeting spaces for business guests.

Roles within business travel and hospitality

There are various openings for employment in hotels that cater for corporate clients, each with specific responsibilities to deliver a smooth and enjoyable stay for guests and tailored experiences. These roles include:

• General manager: oversees all operations and ensures all departments function efficiently and meet guests’ expectations. They are responsible for setting budgets, managing staff and maintaining high standards of service
• Front house manager: supervises the reception area and lobby staff and makes sure all guests enjoy a welcoming experience. They handle check-ins, check-outs and reservations and address guest concerns
• Concierge: provides bespoke services to guests, including making reservations, offering recommendations, arranging transport and assisting with any specific requests
• Sales and marketing manager: promotes the hotel to potential guests and companies, organizing campaigns and negotiating contracts for group bookings and events
• Housekeeping manager: makes sure all guest rooms and public areas are clean and well maintained. They supervise housekeeping staff and manage inventory for cleaning supplies and linens
• Event planner: specializes in organizing and executing conferences, meetings and banquets. They liaise with clients to understand their needs and coordinate various departments to deliver a successful event
• Food and beverage manager: oversees all dining services, including restaurants, bars and room service. They manage the delivery of high-quality food and beverage service, manage staff and handle budgets and inventory
• IT manager: responsible for maintaining the hotel’s technological infrastructure. This includes managing the internet service, providing secure networks and supporting the technological needs of guests and staff

Studying for a hospitality degree will help prepare you for one of these roles in hotels for business travel, equipping you with the skills, experience, knowledge and contacts you need to succeed.

Benefits and challenges of working in a business hotel

A career in hospitality businesses geared towards providing corporate accommodation comes with a mixture of advantages and obstacles that combine to shape the experience of aspiring professionals.

Benefits

Working at a business hotel offers numerous advantages that enrich employees’ work, offer great opportunities for career progression and contribute to delivering an exceptional travel experience. For example:

• Interaction with guests: meet a wide range of people, including business travelers, tourists and conference attendees, which encourages cultural understanding and improves interpersonal skills
• Development of organization skills: hotels are structured and detail oriented, providing employees with opportunities to develop strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Hospitality career growth opportunities: employees can gain experience in different roles such as front desk, concierge and event coordination
• Networking: employees interact with professionals from different industries during events and conferences held at the hotel, enabling them to build valuable connections that can help career growth and future job prospects
• Job satisfaction: providing excellent service and exceeding guest expectations can be highly rewarding, contributing to professional fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment

Challenges

Working in business travel hotels also presents its fair share of drawbacks, such as:

• High pressure: the fast-paced nature of hotel operations, especially during peak times such as check-ins and events, can create demanding situations where employees must perform efficiently and handle guest inquiries and issues promptly
• Shift work: hospitality jobs often require evening, weekend and holiday working, impacting work-life balance and requiring employees to adapt to irregular schedules
• Physical demands: the job may involve standing for extended periods, lifting heavy objects and performing repetitive tasks, which can lead to fatigue and discomfort
• Demanding guests: managing the expectations of a broad range of customers, some of whom may be challenging or dissatisfied, requires patience, empathy and effective conflict-resolution skills
• Competition: the hospitality industry is competitive, with high standards for service quality and guest satisfaction, requiring employees to continually strive for excellence and adapt to changing guest preferences and industry trends

What qualifications do you need to work in a business hotel?

Aspiring hotel professionals often need a solid educational background in hospitality or a related area and be able to demonstrate an understanding of management, customer service excellence and organization. Studying for a hospitality degree at a renowned school enables you to gain a deep understanding of industry standards, best practices and emerging trends. These programs often incorporate practical training, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in management, event planning and guest relations.

Students can also benefit from practical experience through hospitality internships, working alongside industry professionals in real-world settings. This highly valued experience provides first-hand knowledge of operations. Meanwhile, networking opportunities with industry professionals at prestigious hotels improve career prospects.

Conclusion

Business travel can be a whirlwind of meetings, presentations and networking, leaving little time for leisure for corporate guests. Amid this hectic schedule, the choice of accommodation plays an important role in facilitating productivity and delivering comfort. Business travel hotels, designed with the needs of corporate travelers in mind, offer a unique blend of functionality, convenience and comfort.

These establishments are uniquely equipped to meet the needs of professional travelers, offering a range of services and amenities designed to facilitate a productive and comfortable stay. Roles in these businesses are varied, though each contributes to its smooth operation. Working in a business hotel can be challenging and rewarding, providing opportunities for growth and a lively work environment. As the demands of corporate travel continue to evolve, these businesses will undoubtedly adapt, maintaining their role as important hubs for professionals on the move.

To succeed in this field, you typically need a solid educational background in hospitality, enriched by practical experience through internships and hands-on placements in hotel operations.

Photo Credits:
Main Image: Getty TravelCouples