When you’re constantly traveling for work you know that not all hotels are created equal, especially when it comes to business amenities. Sure, plenty boast complimentary Wi-Fi, business centers, meeting rooms and car services up to a whole mile (how incredibly generous), but what about when you need an entire wardrobe for an important dinner? Or a sky-high way to impress a client arriving in the city? We found nine hotels that offer a little more than your average business amenity, many of which are free-of-charge for guests, that make traveling for work much more convenient and enjoyable.
JW Marriott Marquis Miami
The JW Marriott Marquis Miami offers business travelers the use of a Cisco Portable IP/Wi-Fi phone that works anywhere in the hotel. The property also features a 50,000-square-foot entertainment complex with a 450-square-foot video wall, built using 52-inch Cisco LCD Professional Series TVs. The display can show 25 separate images, or just one really huge picture. In between meetings, guests can relax in the 3D media room and go virtual bowling or participate in an indoor golf school with virtual golf simulators.
Palmer House Hilton
Admit it, if you could show up to work in your sweats, you would. Palmer House Hilton took this idea to heart and is offering business travelers the option to attend meetings and conventions from the comfort of their rooms. Each accommodation comes with HCN Navigator Tablets, and leaders and organizers can broadcast their events digitally, share documents and leave messages for attendees. Did someone say mimosas excel sheets in bed? Yes, please.
Hotel Eventi
It’s happened to all of us at one point or another; we’ve set out on a work trip and realized we forgot something important at home. In an effort to alleviate guests of their “oops” moments, Hotel Eventi offers a Business Bar with just about every technological gadget you may need while in New York. Headphones, chargers, digital cameras, GoPros, a selection of Apple products and reading tablets are just some of the useful items on loan at the bar. New to the property are also Logitech gadgets including The Ultimate Ears UE MEGABOOM and The Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480.
The James Chicago
Breakout sessions are a welcomed respite from all-day meetings—especially if they include bourbon tastings and improv classes. The James Chicago has crafted a list of meeting breaks that are meant to promote a fun and engaging atmosphere for business travelers to refocus and relax during their trips. The hotel offers seven programs: The Art of Beef, World of Tea, Chocolate Workshops, Bourbon Tasting, Uncorked, Break to Give and Second City. To lighten the mood, the Second City session includes a course on how acting can help boost your business skills while teaching attendees how to be better listeners, work as a team and think on their feet. Home to David Burke’s Primehouse, The Art of Beef allows guests to learn about the intricate dry-aging process and taste some of the restaurants specialties such as Mini Dry-Aged Ribeye Sandwiches or Truffle Asiago Skins.
The Peninsula Hong Kong
When you’re looking to impress a client, The Peninsula Hong Kong knows just how to do so. The property offers a helicopter transfer from the airport—because seeing Hong Kong’s skyscrapers from the sky is something you just can’t pass up. If you’d prefer ground transportation, the hotel also has a fleet of 14 Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantoms available. Either way, arriving in style is pretty much guaranteed.
Montage Beverly Hills
While the Montage Beverly Hills’ shopping package isn’t solely geared toward business travelers, we can see the benefit in using it for corporate travel. Enlisting the help of style guru Joseph Katz—fashion contributor to In Touch, Life & Style and OK!—the hotel is helping guests dress to impress for special luncheons and black-tie events. Featuring three different styling options, travelers can choose to have their closet filled with celebrity-inspired clothing, go on a customized shopping excursion on Rodeo Drive or get a personal consultation with Katz within the privacy of your room. The latter includes high-end looks brought directly to your suite so that you don’t even have to leave the hotel.
Sofitel Washington DC
Because DC is so frequently visited by business travelers, the Sofitel has made it easier for those who find themselves making trips to the area. Complimentary for guests, the property will store your clothing for as long as you’d like so that on your next visit all you’ll need is your carry-on. Plus, chauffeured town cars are available weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Rocco Forte Hotels (Munch, Berlin, Frankfurt)
TSA PreCheck and Global Entry have made traveling a whole lot easier, especially for those who spend a lot of time in airports. Rocco Forte Hotels is joining the flight convenience game with their VIP Travel Service. The service allows guests to arrive only an hour before international flights while a personal attendant checks your baggage and handles customs procedures. Prior to heading to your gate, you’ll also zip through an expedited security line.
Trump International Hotel & Tower New York
A little less glamorous than the other amenities on the list, Trump’s complimentary stationary and business card service is just as valuable. If you’ve ever forgotten your business cards, you know how frustrating it can be when meeting with important executives and clients. What makes this service cool is that the property only needs an hour to create a custom package for travelers which includes a dozen cards, envelopes and paper stock.
