A business hotel doesn't have to be just another boring stay for your boss (or you!). If you must be stuck in a hotel working, make it a hotel worth remembering.

Central Location

After spending several hours of maneuvering security and airport terminals, nothing's worse than arriving at a hotel destination that's away from everything. Consider where your business will take place, and position the hotel as close to that as possible. If your boss has several meetings throughout the city, try to find a central location.

Hint: Check with the destination's convention & visitor bureaus for suggestions.

Your On-the-Road Office

When you travel on a business trip you want a competitive edge, and having all the tools readily available at your hotel can create a setting that feels as comfortable as your own office.

• Executive quarters with sitting area
• Large working desk
• Data-port telephone
• Wireless and high speed Internet access
• Free local or unlimited phone calls
• Business services such as copy and fax

Amenities

When traveling for business, your personal needs often get shelved until before or after a meeting. Whether that includes 6:00 am workouts or late night dining, here's a wish list of business-travel amenities:

• In-room amenities. If you are the type of person that likes to wake up to the smell of brewing coffee, in-room (and complimentary) coffee service is a must to kick-start your day. Other in-room amenities to double-check are ironing boards, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.

• Dry-cleaning and laundry service - because you just never know!

• Room service. Often the business traveler's schedule is so intense that all he wants to do is wind down in his room and order room service.

• Satellite and flat-screen TVs. A wind-down wouldn't be the same without turning on the boob tube.

• On-site restaurants and lounges. After a long day of meetings, when you want to get out, who wants to get back in the rental car or take a taxi just to wind down over dinner and drinks?

• Spa services. Ah-hem, did someone say tension? Sitting for hours in cramped seating on a flight, sitting through meeting after meeting...ah yes, spa service options are always a bonus - even better if the spa offers extended hours.

• Fitness centers with early and late hours to cater to your hectic schedule.

• Golf. Busy executives still like the option of swinging their clubs on a new course, even if it's a quick nine holes. Other popular recreational activities might include tennis, fishing, skeet shooting - and the list goes on and on.

• Entertainment. Whether it's an on-site hotel lounge or sports bar, or other distracting activities for tourists from nearby restaurants, nightclubs, museums or other local attractions, it's always a bonus to be able to put on your walking shoes (or disco shoes) and explore the city.

Go For the Brands

If swimming in the sea of business-travel friendly hotels is stressful, when all else fails, go with what you know - brand hotels. Brand name hotels are familiar, and you already know they will provide all you need for stress-free business travel.

Here's a short list of hotel brands:

Hyatt Hotels and Resorts
Offer best rate guarantee and many properties offer business center with internet access for no additional charge.
800-492-8891
www.hyatt.com

Hilton Hotels
Hilton Hotels offers easy to use online reservations. Most properties provide in-room internet access and dedicated executive floors.
1-800-HILTONS
www.hilton.com

Marriott
The Marriot brand can meet the needs of the luxury traveler, the thrifty traveler and those in-between.
1-800-932-2198
www.marriott.com

Starwood Hotels and Resorts
A global operator of hotels and resorts primarily in the luxury and upscale segment of the lodging industry.
1-888-625-4990
www.starwood.com

Four Seasons Hotels
Finest quality service including highly personalized 24-hour service. Four Seasons embodies a true home away from home for those who know and appreciate the best.
1-800-819-5053
www.fourseasons.com

Oh and by the way, selecting the perfect business-travel friendly hotel will go a long way in making you a valuable and indispensable asset to your boss.

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