Home away from home: The 6 best hotels for business travelers
If you’re a road warrior, you understand that not all hotels are created equal. So when your go-to hotel isn’t available at your next destination, it’s a stressful scramble to find new accommodations that can reliably cater to your needs as a frequent traveler.
Travel managers: this is where you come into play.
To ensure your travelers experience a productive and comfortable business trip, it’s your job to curate a list of hotels in your Corporate Travel Management policy that are specifically designed with business travelers in mind – allowing them to earn loyalty points while making informed travel decisions.
In this guide, we'll break down some of the top hotel chains in the industry and highlight the best brands for business travelers.
World of Hyatt
When it comes to generous loyalty programs and exceptional perks, World of Hyatt stands out.
Travelers with elite status in the World of Hyatt program can enjoy benefits such as complimentary premium wifi, room upgrades (subject to availability), late check-outs, and even the ability to share your status with another traveler. Of course, specific perks will vary based on which level of status you hold.
But that’s not all – their reciprocal partnership with American Airlines allows travelers to earn points and miles for their stays.
1. Grand Hyatt
Designed to be vast and opulent, with a strong focus on meetings and events travel, Grand Hyatt makes business travel an actual luxury. These hotels boast sophisticated amenities, including premium fitness centers, renowned restaurants, and spa-like bathrooms. Found in iconic locations worldwide, Grand Hyatt properties provide stunning event spaces and expert planning services that help transform any event from a polite LinkedIn shoutout to an Instagram-worthy affair.
2. Hyatt Regency
The Hyatt Regency brand is marketed as “Upscale Hotels with Large Meeting Spaces” – and it certainly lives up to the name! These hotels feature lavish, king-sized event venues suited for even the largest of enterprises. Some Hyatt Regency locations even offer unique features like a Make Space, Hyatt’s laid-back social area that’s perfect for a quick connect or casual networking. Others may grant you access to a spa, a pool (sometimes multiple pools), and even a golf course.
But no matter the location, Hyatt Regency ensures that your business needs are met while offering opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
Hilton Honors
No doubt, Hilton has earned their reputation as a household name within the hospitality industry – both for leisure and corporate travel.
The Hilton Honors program provides elite status benefits that cater specifically to business travelers. These benefits include (but are far from limited to) daily food-and-beverage credits, executive lounge access, and complimentary water bottles. Plus, using hard-earned points for vacation awards often means waived resort fees.
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers one of the fastest routes to Diamond elite status (the hotel’s top level), making it an attractive option for business travelers looking to use their points for personal vacations later.
3. Hilton Hotels and Resorts
When you hear the name “Hilton,” this is probably the brand you’re envisioning. As the chain’s flagship brand, Hilton Hotels and Resorts makes up over 20% of Hilton’s total hotel rooms across the globe – meaning you can find one in just about every major city. These hotels offer cutting-edge meeting and event spaces, offering high-tech traveler experiences such as contactless check-ins, remote room key access, and much more.
4. Homewood Suites by Hilton
For business travelers embarking on extended stays, Homewood Suites by Hilton provides an excellent option. These all-suite accommodations offer full kitchens and separate living areas, making you feel at home while on the road. And with complimentary breakfast and frequent social hours complete with free wine, beer, and snacks, you don’t have to feel alone on the road. Say goodbye to long nights aimlessly scrolling through apps and ordering takeout for one!
Marriott Bonvoy
With a portfolio as extensive as Mariott’s, there’s sure to be a hotel brand for nearly every type of traveler in every type of travel program, ranging from the luxury-minded to the budget focused.
Marriott Bonvoy’s loyalty program ensures that elite members enjoy exclusive benefits and offers opportunities to earn bonus points and elite status through Marriott-affiliated credit cards. As an elite member, travelers can enjoy a host of perks to enhance a business-focused stay, including upgraded Wi-Fi, availability-based room upgrades, and executive lounge access.
The level of benefits varies depending on your status within the program, ensuring a productive and enjoyable experience tailored to your needs.
5. Courtyard
Courtyard by Marriott provides comfortable beds and flexible workspaces for business travelers. While not as expensive as other Marriott brands, Courtyard maintains the same level of comfort and business-oriented amenities. From business centers to event spaces and gyms, these hotels cater to the needs of professionals. Some properties even offer relaxation spaces, outdoor patios, or fire pits to unwind after a long day of work.
6. Gaylord Hotels
While Gaylord Hotels might be one of Marriott's smaller brands, they make up for it with their enormous properties. Similar to Grand Hyatt, these resort destinations are specifically designed for large-scale meetings and events, from corporate gatherings to gigantic conventions.
But don’t think these properties are all work and no play. Gaylord Hotels seamlessly blend business with leisure, offering entertainment programming and even waterparks at their five total locations. This way, business travelers can bring the whole family, turning a work trip into a memorable experience for everyone.
Great perks…but we can make them better
Choosing the right hotels for business travel can make or break your traveler’s experience on the road. But you knew that already.
The hotel brands we've explored in this guide offer exceptional deals and perks for their premium members – but that’s not to say we couldn’t negotiate better.
Ready to get the best out of your stays? Let us do the heavy work.