Where you stay can have a big impact on the success of your business trip. You need somewhere that is going to get you in the right mindset for whatever meeting or task you have planned. At the same time, you may have a strict budget to stick within. This is why it’s important to compare the different types of accommodation, their benefits and their drawbacks. In this post, we’ll compare a few different options from most basic to most luxurious.
Hostels
When you need to drastically reduce travel costs, hostels are typically the best choice. They’re often located in central city locations, are great for networking and are much cheaper than hotels. The downside is that you may have to share a room with strangers – you won’t get any private space for relaxing or preparing a presentation. This can make it better suited to less formal business trips. It’s worth noting that some hostels are targeted at digital nomads and may have co-working spaces and strong Wi-Fi – useful if you need to write a report or conduct a video call.
B&Bs
B&Bs tend to be slightly pricier than hostels, but often still on the cheaper end of the scale. You get a private room and breakfast is included in the price. Room amenities may be fairly basic and Wi-Fi can be patchy (research beforehand), but you’ll usually be able to get a good night’s sleep. Most B&Bs are family-run and have only a small amount of rooms (popular ones may book up quickly).
Hotels
Hotels tend to have more rooms and more staff than B&Bs. You may get a greater level of luxury in your hotel room, however it really does vary depending on the star rating of the hotel. Chain hotels are a good option if you’re looking for something fairly cheap and simple (some of these hotels may also have loyalty schemes, saving money for frequent travelers). Some hotels have restaurants, pools, gyms and even conference rooms for booking events – think about what amenities you need and what you can get with your budget.
Short-term rentals
Short-term rentals (like AirBnB) offer complete privacy. You also get your own kitchen facilities for cooking meals if you don’t want to dine out (an opportunity to save money). They can vary by quality and cost, so always read reviews beforehand. Consider the fact that you will have to tidy up afterwards or you may lose your deposit.
Corporate housing
For very long stays, corporate housing is the best choice. While short-term rentals may have duration limits, corporate housing can often be rented out for weeks or months at a time as it is designed for short-term relocation. This accommodation is also aimed at travelling professionals, so you tend to get good Wi-Fi and potentially a private desk. You may also get amenities like a washer/dryer and private parking bays.
Aparthotels
Aparthotels are luxurious apartments within hotels. You get all the perks of being in a hotel such as concierge services and shared amenities like a pool and gym, while also getting your own glamorous space with kitchen facilities and plush furnishings. This is, of course, the most expensive accommodation option – most corporate travel policies won’t allow you to book this, however if you’re a successful business owner with money to spend, feel free to treat yourself to an aparthotel.
No Matter Where You Stay, Make it a Restful Time
Even though you’re on a business trip, it doesn’t mean you can’t plan to stay and relax some. Carve out a day or two for relaxation, sight-seeing, or having fun with a business bestie or new friends.
