What is the Business Center in a Hotel: Work Away from Office
I totally understand the need for business travelers to have access to office facilities when staying at a hotel. As much as I’d love to completely unplug when I’m on the road, sometimes you just gotta get work done!
That’s where the hotel business center comes in handy. But what exactly is a hotel business center? What types of amenities and services does it offer? And how important is it really for hotels to have one? I’ll cover all that and more in this post.
A Dedicated Space to Get Work Done
Simply put, a hotel business center is a dedicated space providing office amenities for travelers. It’s like a mini office away from the actual office!
As a road warrior myself, I find it super convenient to have computers, printers, internet access, and other equipment readily available whenever I need it. It allows me to replicate my regular workflow and conduct business as usual, even when I’m far from the comforts of my cubicle.
| Amenity | Description |
|---|---|
| Computers and internet | Stay connected and work online |
| Printers and copiers | Print or photocopy documents |
| Fax machine | Send and receive faxes |
| Phones | Make business calls |
| Stationery | Pens, paper, envelopes etc |
| Desks or cubicles | Spaces to work |
Having these facilities onsite at hotels prevents me from having to scramble to find alternatives like heading to a copy shop or coffee shop with WiFi.
Business centers are truly essential for business travelers like myself. According to a J.D. Power study, the presence of a business center influences guests’ satisfaction and decision to return to a hotel.
Who Really Needs It?
But does every hotel need a fully decked out business center? Not necessarily.
For resorts and hotels catering primarily to vacationers, a few basic computers and printers in the lobby may suffice. But for properties targeting business travelers, a full-service 24/7 business center is practically a must-have.
When deciding where to book my hotel, the availability of a business center is a top priority. If I’m traveling for a conference or client meetings, I simply can’t afford to be without easy access to essential equipment. As they say, business travelers “live” in the business center!
That’s why hotels in major urban business districts invest heavily in state-of-the-art facilities and services. They know it gives them a competitive edge in attracting lucrative corporate clients.
Not Just for Business Hotels
But what about airport hotels? Even if catering largely to airline passengers, having basic computer terminals and printing can be a courtesy for business travelers passing through.
During long layovers, I’m often grateful I can pop into the lobby and print my boarding pass rather than having to find an airline counter. It’s a small touch but provides added convenience.
Work in Privacy
One thing I really appreciate about hotel business centers is being able to work in privacy. As much as I like lounging in the public lobby area, I don’t necessarily want everybody walking by to see my laptop screen.
Inside the business center, desks or cubicles allow me to keep my work private and have focused time to knock things off my to-do list. I can take calls or have impromptu team meetings without worrying about eavesdroppers.
It’s a welcome retreat where I can get stuff done away from the hustle and bustle of my room or the hotel’s common areas.
Gotta Have the Essentials
Now let’s talk about what you can actually expect to find inside a fully equipped hotel business center. Here are some of the most essential elements I like to see:
- Computers with internet access – WiFi is great but I prefer not to rely on my own device. Having computers with web access allows me to work from anywhere without lugging around my laptop.
- Printer, copier and fax – No need to track down the nearest FedEx Office when I can print, photocopy and fax documents directly from the hotel.
- Phones – Essential for taking client calls or dialing into meetings.
- Office supplies – Pens, paper, folders, envelopes, staplers. Saves me from having to pack extras.
- Desks or cubicles – As I mentioned, it’s nice having a dedicated workspace where I can spread out.
- Shredder – Helpful for securely discarding any sensitive documents.
- Scanners – Allows me to digitize paperwork and receipts on the spot.
Final Thoughts
For frequent business travelers like myself, having access to an onsite business center can be the difference between an enjoyable and frustrating hotel stay. It provides the essential amenities and facilities I need to work productively on the road.
While not every hotel requires extensive business facilities, the presence of basic services can be a huge selling point for attracting corporate travelers. And for hotels catering specifically to business guests, investing in state-of-the-art 24/7 business centers is a must. After all, five-star service should extend to the business center!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a hotel business center?
A: A hotel business center is a designated area equipped with computers, printers, and office supplies for guests to handle work-related tasks.
Q: Is the hotel business center free to use?
A: Many hotels offer complimentary access to their business centers, while others may charge a fee for usage.
Q: What services are typically available in a hotel business center?
A: Common services include printing, photocopying, scanning, internet access, and sometimes faxing.
Q: Can I use the hotel business center for personal tasks?
A: Business centers are primarily for work-related activities, but some hotels may allow limited personal use.
Q: What are the operating hours of a hotel business center?
A: Operating hours vary by hotel, but many business centers offer 24/7 access for guest convenience.
Q: Do I need to bring my own laptop to the hotel business center?
A: Hotels usually provide computers, but bringing your own device is also an option.
Q: Is Wi-Fi available in the hotel business center?
A: Yes, most business centers have Wi-Fi for guests to connect their devices.
Q: Can I print documents from my smartphone in the business center?
A: Many modern business centers support wireless printing from smartphones and tablets.
Q: Are there staff available in the business center to assist guests?
A: Some hotels have staff on hand to offer technical assistance, while others may rely on self-service.
Q: Is advance reservation required to use the hotel business center?
A: Reservations are usually not necessary, but it’s advisable to check availability during busy times for uninterrupted use.
