Business travel accommodations can be hard to decide upon as every business traveler has their own set of unique requirements. Chain hotels have some of the many comforts and standardization that can be helpful when traveling for business whereas boutique hotels may not be as well set up for business travelers, but they offer a unique charm and vibe that gives companies a chance to spoil their frequent travelers and road warriors.
We’ll look at the difference between chain hotels and boutique hotels to help you find what’s right for your travelers and your company.
Types of business travel accommodation
Business travel accommodation can take many shapes and forms. Some may look for alternatives to business hotels in the form of shared accommodation whereas others may choose to stay at a chain hotel or a boutique hotel. With so many choices available, let’s make it clearer as to what those choices look like.
What is a chain hotel?
A chain hotel is a hotel that offers a similar standardized offer no matter where you are in the world. Think popular chains like the Marriott, the Hyatt, or the Intercontinental, they offer similar amenities, room layouts and service levels across locations. This makes it so it’s easy to recognize the brand and gives a sense of familiarity.
For a business traveler this means they can use loyalty programs and capitalize on points, which for businesses translates into cost savings and a boost in traveler satisfaction by being able to take advantage of different kinds of benefits that are aimed at making the travel experience better.
What is a boutique hotel?
A boutique hotel is a small, usually independent hotel, that is known for having a unique design and personalized service. Unlike a chain hotel, the decoration usually changes to reflect the local environment making it non-standardized. They usually have smaller capacity, largely below 100 rooms and tend to prioritize charm over standardization.
Chain hotel vs boutique hotel for business travelers
Choosing a hotel for your business trip is a very personal decision. It will depend on the purpose of the trip, the travel policy your company has set up and what’s important. It could be about choosing a location nearby the major sites or in the heart of the business district, or for early morning flights, a hotel that’s right by the airport. A group business trip will also have different requirements than a personal business trip for a sales meeting for example.
This pros and cons is by no means a comprehensive list but simply lays out some of the things to keep in mind when you’re deciding what kind of hotel to choose for your business trip. Each business trip will have its different requirements
What to know about chain hotels
Generally when it comes to chain hotels, you can’t go wrong for business travel; they’re predictable, they are comfortable and they are usually well set-up for business travelers, with the ability to accommodate large groups and even conferences if needed.
Pros of chain hotel
- Standardized offer no matter where you travel
- Comfort
- Usually good places set up to work and desks in rooms
- Good structure and support from staff
- Often have conference rooms
- Well-located in business districts or near conference centers
- Good loyalty programs
- Potentially better group discounts
Cons of chain hotel
- Not as cozy or homey vibes
- Standard can sometimes feel generic
- No personality
- Less amenities
What to know about boutique hotels
Boutique hotels have that added plus of being comfortable and a home away from home, with little details that make a world of difference. Whether it’s a turn-down service or amenities from local artisans, they can provide nice added bonuses that make being away on a business trip more pleasant, adding a touch of surprise too so that you keep your business travelers happy and motivated to keep traveling.
Pros of boutique hotel
- Amenities
- Great service
- Personalized
- Allows business travelers to get in touch with the local culture
Cons of boutique hotel
- Less set up for business travel
- May not have a desk in the room or conference area
- May be more expensive
- Locations in trendy areas rather than business districts
- Fewer standardized amenities (like large business centers or consistent Wi-Fi)
- Potentially less loyalty rewards
What kind of hotel is better for business travelers?
When weighing the pros and cons of chain hotels vs. boutique hotels for business travelers, it can be argued that a chain hotel is more predictable and with better services adapted to business travelers, especially those that are on a quick trip and want to be well-located in the business district, and be able to work easily from the hotel with reliable Wi-Fi, standardized services and comfortable amenities for business travelers.
Of course, a boutique hotel for a more relaxed business trip can perhaps be more enjoyable and unexpected for business travelers. Don’t rule out boutique hotels all together and when it comes to putting together your travel policy, what it really comes down to is traveler comfort and wellbeing together with making sure you can look after your budget. Both are good options and it will really depend on the details of each trip.
