360DigitalInfluence

I just had one of the greatest business travel experiences of my 20+ year career.  After a bumpy West to East Coast flight, a somewhat strained check-in process (the hotel quoted me a different rate at reception than our travel agency gave me, but that’s another story), I walked into a very nice room at a hip New York hotel and found nirvana.  When I sat down to set up my computer, there were four (FOUR!) electrical outlets, neatly lined up next to the Ethernet cable for my computer as well as the A/V plugs that would allow me to hook up my computer to the flat screen TV.  I didn’t have to hunt for additional plugs to charge my phone or my Blackberry.  I didn’t have to crawl underneath a desk.  I didn’t have to bring my own Ethernet cable from the office.  Everything was all in one place and it was very easy to use.  I finally found a hotel that understands the needs of a business traveler!

From free newspapers to coupons for local store discounts to preferred status for restaurant reservations, more and more hotels are looking for ways to build and maintain their relationships with business travelers.  All of these things are great, but what really matters to this business traveler is being able to do complete my work in the comfort of my room without having to hunt for electrical outlets and have my personal work devices scattered all over the room.  The entire technical experience was worth the price of the $5 bottle of water from the mini-bar.  Hallelujah!

For all the fancy amenities hotels offer, they shouldn’t forget about the little (and inexpensive) things that make the business travel experience…an easy-to-use computer set-up, a comfortable bed and lots of candy in the mini-bar.