Are you here on business or pleasure?
Increasingly, the answer seems to be business, both in terms of who is visiting the Madison area and local professionals taking business trips elsewhere.
For those of us who spend time on the road for work, knowing the ins and outs of business travel can result in some nice upgrades — if you know where to look. Of course, even the most experienced business traveler can always use a refresher.
|
Charlie Eggen Advertisement
|
According to Charlie Eggen, who oversees the Holiday Inn Express and Suites and the Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott in Verona, both part of the Verona Hotel Group, there are a lot of things that people don’t take advantage of when they’re on the road for business.
Eggen offers the following suggestions for your next business trip:
Sign up for hotel loyalty programs
“You would be amazed how many people stay in hotels for business travel and don’t sign up for the perks,” notes Eggen. The best way to receive free upgrades and benefits is to sign up for the loyalty program at the hotel. The loyalty programs of most hotel brands include a best-rate guarantee for members, bonus points, or even free nights or free items that you can use on your own time.
Use mobile apps
Many hotel companies have robust apps that provide a variety of cool features including special requests or even chatting directly with the hotel front desk. “I’ve done this myself and found it very useful,” Eggen says. “You can book your next stay or leave a five-star review without ever looking up from your phone.”
Need to know? Just ask!
If you are not app chat savvy, just reach out. Instead of calling an 800 number or endlessly browsing the internet, reach out to the hotel directly. “People who work at the hotel are more likely able to provide specific local information to match your interests and find exactly what will meet your needs,” Eggen explains. “They can help schedule your airport transportation or provide advice on how to best get around the city.”
Stay in the suburbs
If you stay on the outskirts of a city, you can find very nice upscale hotels at excellent prices. This can be a great opportunity to explore neighborhoods and enjoy some stress-free peace and quiet. “Plus, the cost of your stay will be lower overall,” Eggen points out. “Very nice restaurants will be more reasonable. Parking, even covered or underground, will be much less expensive or more likely, free. That is a nice perk in the winter.”
Book directly for best deals
Third-party booking sites don’t always offer the best deal on hotel rooms, Eggen says. Many times, hotels will use third-party sites to sell rooms because they have a large number of vacant rooms available. The third party sites either mirror the prices already offered at the hotels or simply mark up the wholesale price they are paying the hotel. “You’ll have better luck getting the best deal by booking through a hotel website or calling directly and asking for the best rates. If you do choose the third party option, be cautious that you are booking on a reputable site that has a relationship with the hotel. Also, be aware that your room type or special requests will often not get properly passed along to the hotel from third-party sites.”
The Golden Rule
Lastly, be nice. Treat others the way you would hope to be treated, just like your mom always said, Eggen advises. This is smartest thing you can do to when traveling for business. “Many employees are empowered to provide extra special services or amenities if they feel like it. Being nice to them might get you a room upgrade at no extra charge or other perks. Hotel employees will recognize repeat visitors and reward their loyalty. On the occasion you experience a problem, approach it with patience and kindness. The hotel team wants you to be happy and will take resolving the situation seriously. Regardless, it just feels good to be nice.”
Eggen also notes that special perks are often available for frequent business guests — if they know to ask. Some of those perks can include:
Stay green, get points
Many major hotels brands offer programs to encourage environmentally conscious decisions, Eggen says. One program that may be available for guests who are staying more than one night allows guests to “opt out” of housekeeping services in return for additional loyalty points. “Many business travelers put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door anyway. They might as well benefit from the additional points while also feeling good about reducing energy and water usage.”
Free rides
Even if you have a vehicle or love to use Uber, many hotels have a shuttle and are more than willing to drive you to and from your meetings, and even dinner or drinks. All you need to do is ask! “The convenience alone will be worth a generous tip to the driver, who coincidentally, may be extra timely with your return trip,” Eggen notes.
Food and drink deals
Hotel front desk or concierge employees have great relationships with local restaurants and taverns. According to Eggen, if you ask nicely, they will offer excellent recommendations and many times have a stack of coupons or free drink tickets they would be happy to share.
(Continued)
Bountiful business
Business travelers are a significant contributor to the Greater Madison economy. According to Eggen, roughly 70% of the guests in his hotels are business travelers, and they typically stay longer than leisure guests.
Eggen knows what’s he’s talking about. He was recently named the Wisconsin Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2016 Innkeeper of the Year, and he serves as president of the Greater Madison Hotel & Lodging Association, in addition to volunteering on the boards of the Greater Madison Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Verona Area Chamber of Commerce, and Madison College Hospitality Program Advisory Board, among others.
“Business travel is tourism and tourism is big business in Greater Madison and Dane County,” notes Eggen. “I know that in 2015 all visitors contributed nearly $2 billion dollars in total spending. You can do the math, but it is clear to see how business travel is impactful in the numbers.”
Eggen says it can be hard for locals to see and comprehend this impact every day in the community because you can’t know who is in town for a meeting, conference, or event unless they are wearing their conference attendee badge or a lanyard for a meeting.
Tourism imports cash into Greater Madison that would otherwise be spent somewhere else, explains Eggen, and it’s often the first impression of our communities for potential business investors and innovators who may become residents that, in turn, expand our intellectual capacity and growth. “Many times, they start out as business travelers in our hotels.”
Click here to sign up for the free IB ezine – your twice-weekly resource for local business news, analysis, voices, and the names you need to know. If you are not already a subscriber to In Business magazine, be sure to sign up for our monthly print edition here.
