Drew Guenett says that when a hotel is your home away from home, comfort and convenience are key.
“Good pillows are a priority and often hard to come by,” says Guenett, who lives in Scottsdale, Ariz., and is president of a company that provides Web-based automotive training. “And good coffee can change the experience. Truly. I have left hotels if these simple joys of life while on the road aren’t met. I mean, come on, it’s not that hard to make us feel at home. After all, isn’t that their job?”
Gone are the days when a decent bed and shower will do. USA TODAY’s panel of Road Warriors, who crisscross the U.S. and globe for work, say they appreciate and even expect a range of hotel services, from nearby parking to a sleep timer on the TV remote control.
Hotels again are rolling out the welcome mat for business travelers, often their most lucrative guests, offering perks that help propel them through their workday such as complimentary breakfasts and meeting rooms. They’re also upping the comfort level by adding upscale toiletries and more personalized customer service.
“What we find is business travelers are not a one-size-fits-all,” says Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president for marketing and sales for Best Western. Starting next month, Best Western will offer three types of hotels to travelers in the U.S. and Canada, including Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier, both of which will feature more luxurious amenities and services.
All properties will offer the free high-speed Internet access that is standard throughout the chain, and most will have complimentary breakfast and parking.
“Sometimes, it’s just convenience and sleep” that guests want, Dowling says. “Sometimes, they want a more upscale experience.”
Don’t Skimp on Wi-Fi, Please
Wireless Internet access, preferably free and fast, is tops for most corporate trekkers.
“At this time in…