Business hotels: features, benefits, requirements

Business tourism is the type of tourism that even quarantine could not defeat, since business trips are inevitable. Perhaps some companies have reduced the number of business trips, but to completely cancel them means to suspend certain business processes. Accordingly, the demand for business hotels that can provide all the necessary infrastructure for important negotiations remains active.

The concept of business hotels is one of the main ones on the market of hotel services, this can be explained by the current demand for accommodation. So, business trips make up more than 50% of all in the world. Trips for recreation or treatment – about 40%, and 10% of the total demand for other purposes. In a professional context, business tourism refers to a steady stream of trips for meetings, tenders, and audits. To accommodate these needs, the concept of a business hotel is developed, where the location, technology, and services allow guests to work as efficiently as in an office while also enjoying full relaxation.

Business hotels are located in all major cities of the countries. Especially many of them are located in major economic centers: New York, Singapore, Hong Kong, Frankfurt, Shanghai, etc. Economic hubs and exhibition centers accelerate the development of business hotels: demand is driven by air hubs, office clusters, and a stable events calendar.

Features of a business hotel

Business hotels are facilities located in the central or business districts of cities. Business people who are the target audience of such hotels value their time, so when choosing a hotel, they are guided by its location. Business class hotels offer professional business services, from shuttle services to conference rooms. Business hotels also provide services such as mail delivery, organization of business events on request, translation, lawyer, etc., booking tickets for any type of transport, as well as currency exchange and car rental.

As for the internal components, such facilities should be equipped with modern office equipment, as well as Wi-Fi coverage. The introduction of any technical innovations in the hotel will undoubtedly be a plus and can play a decisive role in choosing this particular hotel. The technological component includes seamless roaming, digital keys, hybrid meeting rooms (4K cameras, Rooms platforms), and a dedicated category like a business hotel room – featuring an enlarged desk, an ergonomic chair, 4000K lighting, and enhanced soundproofing.

For the quality guest service business hotels must comply with certain rules:

• The hotel should be located near the administrative, public and other centers of the cities.
• Single rooms should prevail in the room fund.
• It is necessary that each room has a work area.
• There should be apartments for business people come with their family.
• It is necessary to equip the space for business events: conference rooms, meeting rooms, etc.
• Financial support services should be located near the hotel: bank branches, currency exchange offices, etc.
• The hotel should have a restaurant and a bar, as well as a room service.
• The hotel should be equipped with a parking lot.

In addition to the rules above, the hotel, depending on the star rating, must adhere to the certification requirements. We wrote about them earlier.

Business hotels in the context of war and Сorona crisis

The quarantine and the military actions in Ukraine affected the hotel industry in general. Thus, the occupancy of many hotels in Ukraine has fallen, especially in non-tourist cities. Hotel occupancy was also affected, especially in areas directly impacted by military actions. The number of foreign visitors decreased significantly, but domestic tourism took place, especially in the summer. The main tourist destination was Odessa.

However, hoteliers understand that in the context of a pandemic, their facilities need changes – the format that will attract guests even in quarantine. This also applies to business hotels, because now, when many prefer online meetings, the demand for conference rooms and accommodation in such hotels has decreased. In times of crisis, special attention is given to business services in hotels, flexible rates, and adaptive services for business travel. So, some business hotels are thinking about creating something in common between a hotel room and an office. In a space like that you can comfortably live, work and sleep. And some even revised their target audience and began to give some of their rooms for long-term rent. This is in demand among IT professionals and those who work remotely.

Against the backdrop of war, there is a growing need for resilience in business hotels, especially in Kyiv and Lviv, where international business centers and key organizational hubs for humanitarian and business activities are located. At the same time, the demand for long-term business hotel bookings continues to rise, as companies and professionals prefer rooms that provide comfort for both work and relaxation. To meet this need, business hotels are beginning to offer business rooms with enhanced facilities for work.

The Ukrainian experience in the business hotels

Domestic tourism continues to be an important part of Ukraine’s hotel market, and many business hotels are adapting to the new realities by offering new service formats and room types. This approach not only helps maintain revenue but also strengthens trust among corporate clients. Under the management of the company Ribas Hotels Group are few business hotels in Odessa:

• Wall Street. The design of the hotel is made in “Art Deco” style – a harmonious combination of restraint and sophistication, Art Nouveau and neoclassicism. The rooms and lobby are decorated in soothing colors that do not distract from work and relaxation.

We know everything about designing, implementing and managing a business hotel. Ribas Hotels Group provides management, marketing, consulting and other services in the hotel industry. For a professional approach, please contact Ribas Hotels Group! If the goal is to purchase an existing business hotel, the team can assist with auditing, business planning, brand strategy, and MICE programs, as well as establish sales channels tailored to corporate demand.

More details at the link about investments in hotel real estate.

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