Business travel is a lucrative market and hotel chains are catering to the specific needs of business travelers. The US corporate travel industry grew 5% from $302.7 billion by the end of 2016. Whether you’re looking for the right hotel for your business trip to Miami, Florida, or you’re a business traveler who wants to know what to look for in a hotel, here are five things that all business travelers want in a hotel room.
Close Proximity
Location is the top priority for most business travelers. Nothing is worse than staying way out of the way when you’re traveling. Proximity is imperative for maintaining your work productivity levels. It reduces in-city travel time, which allows you to get more work done.
You can search for any hotel in Miami that’s within the distance of a certain business center, convention, or landmark. Finding a hotel is easier than ever.
Free (and Reliable) Wi-Fi
Every business traveler needs access to fast and reliable internet that allows them to work. Hotels that don’t provide free internet shouldn’t even be considered. Use loyalty programs and status to your advantage to get the fastest internet connection possible. Some hotel chains may offer a lower speed for free and a faster connection for an additional fee.
Other times, this feature is available to guests of a certain status or with an upcharge or an upgrade. Sometimes you can negotiate such features. This allows you to be more productive and to feel more at home. It can also help you save money on additional internet charges and expenses.
A Quiet Environment
Your hotel room shouldn’t be designated for work. Business travelers want to have the comforts of home. Your hotel room should be sound insulated or located in a quiet location of the resort. Ask if you have a room that’s away from the main road, and it’s not located next to the elevators, gym, or main entrance.
This is important for getting rest and a good night’s sleep. Sleep is important during your business trip, especially if you have to be alert and productive the next day. High-quality bedding, high thread-count sheets, and comfortable mattress are also important for getting a good night’s sleep.
Accessible Meeting Rooms
Business travel is also important when it comes to meeting new clients, pitching ideas to regular clients, and initiating conversations that can’t take place over the phone. Business travelers prefer to book a room with a hotel that provides access to conference rooms and meeting spaces.
These features allow you to have a dress rehearsal before pitching to potential clients. Giving yourself the chance to get through a pitch or a presentation can make the difference in winning and losing. You don’t want to have these rehearsals and practices in a crowded hotel room. It’s nice to have a hotel that offers upgrades such as projectors and screens where you can plug in your laptops and devices.
Fitness & Dining Options
A fitness center is not enough. Business travelers want a fitness center that’s so large and spacious, you won’t have to wait to use a certain machine. It’s frustrating enough when a hotel fitness center is tucked away that a guest gives up looking. And it’s even more frustrating when a guest finds out the equipment and machines are useless.
One of the biggest difficulties with life on the road is staying healthy and fit. Airports are filled with fast food chains, and destinations have temptations such as cocktails and red meat. Hotel chains like the Hyatt provide healthy dining options and room service. It’s important to have a healthy breakfast, lunch, and dinner to balance out what you’re eating or drinking with colleagues and clients.
Good Picks for Miami Hotels
With all that said, here are some popular choices for business travelers in Miami.
The Hyatt Regency Miami is one of the top choices for professionals. It’s in the heart of Miami’s trendy Brickell district, putting it right in the middle of where people want to be. It’s close to the Metromover public transit station and Riverwalk. Rooms feature fast, free Wi-Fi, and the hotel has a well-appointed, on-site fitness center.
The Hilton Garden Inn Miami Airport West, while a mouthful, is another popular choice for business travelers. It is next to the Miami Airport and has a free shuttle. If you’re only in town for a short stay, this should be a convenient location. There’s also free Wi-Fi and free parking for guests.