Solo business travels are hellish to manage. You have to take care of every bit, from booking tickets to preparing a detailed itinerary. But these aren’t the hard parts of a business trip. Too many business travelers find making a reservation at a quality hotel hard.
Irrespective of whichever country you’re traveling to, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing a hotel. Latest statistics reveal that the U.S. is home to 107,902 hotel and motel businesses.
California has 21,292 hotel and motel businesses, which is the highest in the country. Texas, with 19,204 businesses, is a close second. Florida ranks third in this list, as the city consists of 12,468 hotels and motels.
Similarly, Israel, though a small country, is home to plenty of hotels. While the exact number isn’t known, there are 56,000 tourist hotel rooms in Israel. About 121 hotels are there in Tel Aviv, 91 in Jerusalem, 51 in Eilat, 39 in Tiberias, and a total of 15 hotels in the Dead Sea. The leading hotel chains in Israel include Isrotel, Selina, Hilton, and Brown Hotels.
At the outset, booking a hotel seems pretty straightforward. But the overwhelming number of options makes it challenging, especially if you’re booking at the last minute. For those who travel solo often, here are a few tips that will help you choose the right hotel for your business trip.
#1 Research Hotels Close to Your Meeting Venues
Your hotel’s location will have a significant impact on your overall travel experience.
Hotels in far-flung areas cost half of what they cost in the main city. You might save a good chunk of money if you book a hotel in a distant location. But remember that you will spend more than what you save on commuting.
Long travel hours will also cost you time and money. Plus, booking cabs, catching trains, and ride-sharing can drain your energy.
Always choose a hotel that is in proximity to your meeting venues or client’s office. This will save you a lot of time and money. It will also minimize the stress of navigating an unknown city or country. Use navigation apps and online maps to search for hotels near your meeting locations.
However, be aware of the neighborhood. A hotel in a commercial hub or a financial district isn’t the best place to stay, even if it’s close to your meeting venues. People rarely dwell in these areas of a city, so the streets can seem hauntingly vacant when the business day ends.
#2 Make Sure it Offers Free Wi-Fi Like Hotels in Israel
Today, almost all hotels offer in-room Wi-Fi so that business travelers can respond to emails, seamlessly conduct video conferences, and access important documents without interruptions. But there’s a catch– not all hotels have fast Wi-Fi. Budget chains have slower, more basic internet connections, whereas high-end ones invest in robust connectivity.
Most hotels in Israel offer fast Wi-Fi. This is often included in the room price, so you won’t have to fork out extra money. All 415 suites and rooms of King Solomon Hotel by Isrotel, a hotel chain in Israel, include complimentary Wi-Fi access. Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas of the hotel, as well. In such a hotel, you can maintain communication with your team as well as clients seamlessly.
Yam Suf, another hotel by Isrotel, offers free Wi-Fi connection in both rooms and public areas. If you’re traveling to Israel, connectivity won’t be an issue. Almost all hotel chains offer them for free without any caps. But, if you’re setting out on a business trip to another country, be sure to check for free Wi-Fi.
#3 Assess Meeting Facilities
The shift towards remote work has driven hotels to reimagine their spaces into productive work environments. Hotels are increasingly offering meeting facilities in response to the evolving needs of modern travelers, especially business professionals. You’ll be at an advantage if you opt for such a hotel, as it will enhance your overall productivity.
When searching for a hotel in your business travel destination, check whether it has conference rooms.
A hotel with a conference room will provide a professional setting for client meetings, presentations, and collaborative work sessions. This will eliminate the requirement for an external meeting room, thereby saving money.
Many hotels also offer boardrooms and event spaces. Go for them if your trip entails hosting business-related events.
#4 Check Reviews
Before you make a reservation, take time to research the reputation of the hotel. Online review platforms like Google Reviews, Yelp, and TripAdvisor are excellent places to read about the experiences of previous guests with the hotel.
Look at negative reviews first to see if there is a common theme. Solo travelers complaining there isn’t a second lock on the door or business travelers whining about unreliable internet connection are deal breakers. But be sure to check the date. If those reviews appear too old, the hotel might have improved on those aspects.
Read negative reviews, but don’t forget to cast your eye over positive reviews. Also, pay attention to feedback related to service quality and cleanliness, especially recent ones. That will help you understand if the hotel maintains its standards consistently.
Wrapping it up, choosing the right hotel for your next solo business trip is important for a successful and stress-free experience. Prioritizing the location, access to Wi-Fi connection, and meeting facilities, as well as reading reviews, will help you make an informed decision.
You must also research whether the hotel offers complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Solo travelers must also prioritize their safety and choose a hotel with robust security measures, like security cameras.
Jessi is the creative mind behind The Coffee Mom, a popular blog that combines parenting advice, travel tips, and a love for all things Disney. As a trusted Disney influencer and passionate storyteller, Jessi’s authentic insights and relatable content resonate with readers worldwide.