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Skip the hotels on your next business trip and stay at a local inn
Once upon a time, I was addicted to travel reward programs. I see it now and laugh, but until seven years ago, I was hooked. I couldn't let go of my HHonors card, and I lamented that, at the end of 2001, I was one night away from Diamond on Hilton and two away from Platinum on Starwood. Looking back, I see how ludicrous the whole thing is. And it has taken until this week to see how much more attractive the alternative is.A decade ago, I had a great alternative to traditional hotel stays dropped in my lap, but I was too consumed by points-lust to realize it. I was on a project in central New Jersey and was in Bernardsville for a team dinner. On the street, we ran into a person from another project team on the sidewalk as she was walking into a small inn. She explained to us that she was happy to give up the points – the experience she had at that property was worth it.
We all laughed about her unicorns-and-rainbows perspective as we finished our walk to the restaurant, and for a few years, I found the notion so absurd that it became burned in my memory. That's why it came back to me Tuesday, as I checked into the Cowpers Inn in Palo Alto.
The small bed and breakfast, a few blocks from the conference I was attending, isn't luxurious, but it's comfortable and charming. I had plenty of space, a sufficient bed and free internet access. The room didn't have a desk, which was the only flaw I could find for a frequent business traveler. That didn't matter much anyway, as I spent little time in the room while in town. Looking back on the stay, I see the cost savings for your company, the charming accommodations and the pleasant management as having enhanced my stay, and I'll book next year when I attend the same conference.
The greater lesson, however, is that business travelers have options. Rather than become a slave to the loyalty programs, you can assert your independence while enjoying your business trip more. Get out of the chains and into a small B&B the next time you go out on the road, or if you're in a city, stay at a small independent hotel. They'll get to know you, and the treatment you receive will be far superior to anything a large hotel can provide.
And if you hit the same destination regularly, that small inn will start to feel like a true home away from home.
The greater lesson, however, is that business travelers have options. Rather than become a slave to the loyalty programs, you can assert your independence while enjoying your business trip more. Get out of the chains and into a small B&B the next time you go out on the road, or if you're in a city, stay at a small independent hotel. They'll get to know you, and the treatment you receive will be far superior to anything a large hotel can provide.
And if you hit the same destination regularly, that small inn will start to feel like a true home away from home.
Filed under: Business, North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
cyprus hotels Mar 21st 2011 3:50PM
A beautiful hotel the facilities housekeeping, wake-up calls, bathroom phone, it will be a home environment.
EagerTraveler Mar 20th 2011 2:42AM
I love this idea! Or the feeling of it. I tried this when I first started to travel for work. I really wanted to "give back". After many nights of poor sleep, bad pillows requiring origami, the ability to hear the next door neighbours bathroom ablutions etc., the chain hotel became my friend. I could (generally) count on clean, cool or warm, internet that worked etc.
I wish, I wish , I wish I could have given back.
Mountaineer Mar 22nd 2011 10:27AM
And some B&Bs have frequent guest programs. Stay 9 nights and the 10th is free or other programs. Doesn't hurt to ask the innkeeper!
Innkeeper Seely Mar 22nd 2011 8:52PM
Eager Traveler didn't say when she/he tried small properties but I would encourage her/him to try again. All of the issues mentioned can be problems at chain hotels too. B&Bs are becoming more and more traveler and business traveler friendly. Soundproofing isn't always a problem Don't be shy about asking for a different or more pillows either. Mountaineer is right about frequent guest programs too. My inn offers one night free for every seven.