Business travel often takes you to different places that may be unfamiliar. You may be required to stay in hotels that sometimes do not meet your expectations. The kind of accommodation you stay in can make or break your travel experience. Whether traveling for a client meeting or a business conference, your stay must enhance productivity and provide comfort.
The hotel you choose plays a pivotal role in the success of your business. Whether it is to ensure productivity or have a good night’s sleep, with so much on your plate already, booking the right hotel can be pretty overwhelming. You must navigate through multiple websites to choose the best hotel, with so many factors to consider. According to Statista, the hotel market in the United States is expected to experience a rise in revenue, projected to reach $114.70 billion by 2025.
This is why, in this blog, we will share 10 tips for booking hotels that will make your next business trip stress-free and productive. Irrespective of the agenda you are traveling for, these hotel booking tips will improve your travel planning.
10 Important Tips to Remember While Booking Hotels for Employees
To elevate your business travel experience, follow these tips for booking hotels for your employees.Â
1. Define Your Priorities
One of the most essential hotel booking tips is defining your priorities. Before you begin your research, list down the non-negotiable factors while booking trips for your employees. While going on business trips, factors such as comfort convenience, and affordability are crucial.
| Hence, ask yourselves these questions:Â |
Clearly defining your priorities allows you to streamline your options and pick hotels that match your goals. Set a location radius filter on booking platforms, for example, if you want to stay in a hotel close to your business venue. Constrict the price range to define budget constraints and find appropriate hotels based on your preference.
Prioritize your time to save some cash and not get distracted by unnecessary options. This will help you select a hotel that is most preferable to you.
2. Read Hotel Reviews CarefullyÂ
One of the best tips for booking hotels is reading reviews or ratings. Whenever you’re about to book a hotel, you should go through the reviews of travelers who have visited recently. Reviews are among the best ways to tell the quality of a property.
You must read hotel reviews from different sources, such as online booking platforms and travel forums. Booking platforms such as Trip Advisor, Booking.com, or Google reviews have feedback from real users about their experience.
| While analyzing reviews, look for these factors:Â 1. Cleanliness: Is the hotel hygienic and well-maintained? 2. Staff service: Are the hotel staff professional, kind, and welcoming? 3. Amenities: Are facilities such as TV, AC, Wi-fi, and meeting room available? |
You can also sort out the newest reviews to stay updated on the hotel’s recent performance. A property with consistently positive feedback is likely a reliable choice. On the other hand, a series of complaints about poor service or subpar facilities should be a red flag.
3. Book Through Trusted Platforms
As one of the crucial tips for booking hotels, it is very important to book through reputed sites. Booking through such sites, you are assured of security and reliability when making a reservation. Websites like Booking.com and corporate travel sites like itilite have elaborate search engines and safe payment processing methods. These sites let you compare pricing, amenities and reviews all under one roof.Â
Some trusted sites also offer rewards programs, discounts, or exclusive offers to regular users. For example, loyalty points from specific corporate travel tools can be redeemed for travel allocations that add value to your travel.
When booking through any online platform, you must look for the cancellation policy if any. You should also thoroughly check if the payment gateway is secure or not. This will help reduce potential risks and offer peace of mind if any untoward events occur.
4. Choose the Hotel Location WiselyÂ
| One of the most hotel booking tips that many travelers ignore is the location of the hotel. You must choose the hotel’s location which is safe and convenient for you to travel. Choose the hotel location in such a way that it is close to your meeting or client venue. Similarly, proximity to transportation hubs like airports and metro stations ensures easy commute. This saves you a lot of time. |
| Additionally, you must also research the nearby areas. Choose a location that has medical shops, restaurants, or other stores. A hotel situated in a good location reduces your travel stress, saves time, and enhances your productivity. |
5. Compare Prices Across Multiple ChannelsÂ
| Hotel prices can differ significantly across various platforms. To get the best offer, you must compare prices across various booking platforms. Search the rates on the hotel’s official website, other third-party sources, and corporate booking tools. |
| A business traveler usually enjoys deals, discounts, and exclusive rates negotiated by a company. If your company has tied up with a specific hotel, it’s best that you take advantage by checking in at that hotel. Moreover, you can use pricing comparison tools to help you identify any limited-time or promotional offers. |
6. Verify Inclusion in the Price
Some hotels have hidden costs. And these hidden costs can blow up your budget in unexpected ways. Therefore, one of the few tips for booking hotels is to verify what is included in the pricing.
| Common inclusions to look for are: 1. Wi-Fi access 2. Breakfast or meal plans 3. Access to amenities like the gym or business center |
If some services are not included, calculate the extra costs to avoid spending more. For instance, paying additional wi-fi or access to the pool can save your travel budget.
Select the room type suited to your preferences and requirements. An ideal room for business travelers is well-spread, with ample space and a proper workstation. It comes with a desk and a comfortable chair.
As one of the hotel booking tips, check the layout and amenities listed in the room description. Review photos of the specific room category if possible to ensure they meet your expectations. For more extended stays, choose a hotel room that has upgraded options like suites or rooms with kitchenettes for added comfort.
7. Pay Attention to Security Features
Safety and security are among the most important tips for booking hotels. The safety of business travelers is essential if you are new to the destination. Whether traveling solo or with your colleagues, you must stay in a hotel with excellent security.
While booking hotels, look for security features such as CCTVs, trained security guards, and room keycard access. If you’re traveling to a new city, research the safety of the surrounding area. Choose a hotel in a well-lit and populated location. Additionally, enquire about secure parking options if you’re renting a car.
8. Understand the Cancellation Policy
During business trips, travel plans can change unexpectedly. Hence, it is important to know if the hotel has any cancellation policy. As one of the hotel booking tips, ensure to enquire with the hotel if they have any cancellation policy. Some hotels provide flexible cancellation policies. This allows you to modify or cancel your booking without prior reservations.
Look carefully into the fine print of all deadlines, refunds, and any other fees. Choosing a hotel that is flexible in its terms ensures that you don’t go overboard with your budget. Any booking platforms provide filters to display hotels with such flexible policies.
9. Take Advantage of Loyalty ProgramsÂ
Most of the hotel chains offer loyalty programs that are highly beneficial for travelers like you. These loyalty programs offer frequent travelers points, discounts, and amazing perks. Signing up for such loyalty programs can bring you significant benefits.
You can use these loyalty points for free stays, room upgrades, or anything else that will help you save money. You can also get access to personalized services, such as priority check-in and other complimentary services. This helps in enhancing your overall travel experience.
Enhance Your Business Travel Experience with These Tips for Booking Hotels
Booking hotels need not be a cumbersome process if you follow the right strategy. By following these tips for booking hotels, you can ensure safe, productive, and comfortable travel. Moreover, with these hotel booking tips, you not only find stays as per your preferences but also get a seamless travel experience.
If you’re looking for a platform that can help you choose the best hotels with all the factors you prefer, itilite is your best choice. This modern travel management platform helps travelers book hotels as per their preferences. You can also choose your hotel from a vast travel inventory. Moreover, you also get personalized packages to choose and modify your itineraries accordingly.
