You might believe that it doesn’t really matter what kind of hotel you choose when travelling for business and staying overnight. It’s fine as long as there’s a bed and somewhere to shower in the morning. You are, however, completely incorrect. When it comes to a good business hotel, there is a lot to think about before you click the ‘book’ button and spend your hard-earned money (or, worse, your company’s) off to the hotel, and this is especially important if you find yourself travelling a lot for business.
If you were travelling for pleasure, you would expect certain standards to be met, facilities to be looked for, and review sites to be visited before making your decision. When it comes to business travel or looking for business hotels in Kochi, for example, the considerations are no less. Here are our top recommendations for what to look for before making a reservation:
It does not have to be wireless, though this is becoming more common in today’s technologically advanced world, there should be some form of complimentary internet service available throughout the hotel, including in your room. Whether you need to connect to the internet to answer work emails, prepare a last-minute presentation, or simply relax and video call home to say goodnight to your family, a hotel should not call itself a business hotel unless it provides complimentary internet access. This is fairly simple to check, and if it isn’t available, you should cross a hotel off your list; often, if a hotel charges for internet use, the costs are astronomical, and you may find yourself in a work bind if you can’t get online without paying. Similarly, having only complimentary internet in the hotel lobby is pointless; who wants to sit and work in an environment where there is a constant flow of people and distractions?
You’re coming to the hotel to work, so it stands to reason that you’d look for a hotel with excellent business facilities. This includes working printers, fax machines, and photocopiers, as well as someone to assist you in getting connected and up and running with the technology. While these services are not always complimentary, a high-end business hotel will be upfront about the costs, allowing you to decide whether it is better to use the business facilities or to find a local copy shop to do the work for you.
If you’ve had a busy day meeting with potential clients or a long journey to your hotel, the last thing you want to do is make a reservation and sit down in a restaurant to eat. Worse, if the hotel does not have a restaurant and you end up driving around looking for somewhere to eat. A good business hotel will provide room service until late at night. Furthermore, the rooms should include complimentary in-room coffee and tea-making facilities, allowing you to work late into the night without having to constantly order refreshments. If you are looking for a hotel that provides luxury service, is quiet, and comfortable and is the best hotel in Kochi.
If you have spent many hours on the road or have worked late into the night and need to be up and out on time, this can be a real necessity. However, it is more than just providing this service; a casual attitude toward this type of thing can be a turn-off for guests. If you request a wake-up call at 6.30 a.m., it should arrive at 6.30 a.m., not 6.40 a.m. or 6.45 a.m.
Consider your strategy for your business trip; will you need a place to gather clients, customers, or other employees? Do you need to create a large presentation that will take up a lot of space? If you answered yes, look for a hotel with conference facilities so you can get your work done.
A good concierge will be able to assist you with everything from hailing a taxi to recommending the best restaurant for your clients to dine at. Their local knowledge can be invaluable, so take advantage of the service if it is available.
When travelling for business, it is likely that you will be working to a budget, making it difficult to find a hotel that meets all of your needs while remaining within the company’s budget. Making connections with hotels can be extremely beneficial in this situation. If you frequently visit Kochi, find out if hotels offer ‘frequent guest’ discounts or have a business club you can join; this may be more likely with larger chains, but it is certainly worth investigating.