The way business is done has changed drastically in the past few years. So, it should be no surprise that how people work and travel has also transformed. 

Business travelers want to easily access their work files from anywhere while still being safely connected. Whether that means printing out boarding passes, jumping on a quick Zoom call, or accessing sensitive information from their laptop computer, a well-thought-out hotel business center is key to today’s savvy traveler. 

In this blog post, we'll talk about ways you can build an appeal to the modern traveler with reimagined hotel business centers for your guests.

Hotel Business Centers Reimagined

What are hotel business centers? 

A hotel business center is an on-site office space that allows hotel guests to take care of the necessities, such as printing boarding passes and other documents, conducting safe internet searches, and even meeting clients.

Some common elements of a hotel business center may include:

• Lobby terminal
• Small, multi-purpose meeting rooms.
• Laptops or tablets at the front desk. (Either for short-term rental or complimentary for reward program members.)
• Units that are designed for lobby spaces.
• A functional work area with computers, desks, and a copier.

When done properly, it is a way to upsell your hotel, and amenities, and take pressure off the front desk.

Fact: Business center and lobby terminals receive a lot of usage and are in high demand!

What’s the importance of a hotel business center? 

A hotel business center is one of the most essential hotel features for today’s modern travelers. A hotel that doesn't offer such an amenity may lose out on potential guests who need to be productive while away from home, ultimately leading to lowered profits.

Without a way to access their email, printers/scanners, important files, and cloud-based programs, people would be forced into working in noisy cafes, and you would not want that for your guests.

A hotel should offer a business center with office-quality amenities to keep up with guest expectations and keep them coming back to your brand again and again.

Here are tips for staying equipped with a hotel business center guests will love.

Support Guests’ Technology

Technology is ever-changing, and your property should be ahead of the curve. 

• Networked printers, scanners, and copiers: your guests must be able to access any device they need from anywhere on-site so that work can get done quickly.
• Mobile printing: Cloud-based printing enables guests to print directly from their mobile device (laptop, smartphone, tablet) to designated printers at the property.
• Above and Beyond: At several Ritz Carltons, we were asked to provide Tech Pods that included 23” VESA mounted All-in-One computers and were placed in what were previously phone booths with doors. This provided their customers with a private place to do work or have a Skype conference call in private. The booths have a shelf that can hold a wired keyboard and mouse, and a small monochrome laser printer is underneath. The computers have webcams, and because of the privacy of the Pod with a door (glass window that is stenciled with Tech Pod), Guests can work and have a Skype meeting in confidence.

Offer Dedicated AND Non-Dedicated Space

A hotel may not need traditional offices, but setting aside some of its lobby is still important if you want your hotel to stand out against the competition nearby. In addition to a dedicated hotel business center, consider offering casual meeting rooms, a private office for hotel staff to use during off-hours, and simply putting in some comfortable seating with charging stations with space for laptops throughout the lobby can make all the difference.

Maximize your business travelers' comfort level and productivity. Provide comfortable furniture that promotes conversation, collaboration, and laptop power outlets.

Here at TTI, we work with our clients to provide solutions unique to their needs. For example, the Marriott Crystal Gateway uses tablets in their Concierge Center in the lobby.

Learn more about TTI for your Hotel Business Center >>

Latest Technologies

As technology advances, hotel business centers need to evolve as well. Be sure you're up-to-date on the latest in computers and networking equipment so that when guests arrive, they don't have to go out of their way to look for what they need.

Questions to ask:

• Is your hotel technology infrastructure able to handle demand?
• Can you offer cloud-based printing?
• Do you have SMS technology allowing guests to text the front desk?
• Are your meeting spaces equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support corporate training, presentations, and conferences?
• Can you offer contactless check-in?

Guest Facing Technology, or as others call it, guest experience management, is becoming an integral component of hotel management because it is the underlying support base for enhanced guest service. Hotels can now prioritize this type of enhanced guest experience with the right technological tools from TTI Technologies.

Provide Up-to-the-Minute Information

Hotels use digital screens and tablets to draw guests out of their rooms and into the lobbies to learn more about the property and surrounding neighborhood.

The displays also show promotions for their on-site dining and retail outlets to drive sales, advertise special offers and discounts, and increase customer engagement.

Your Hotel Business Center, Equipped for the Modern Traveler

The future hotel business center will look a lot different than what it does now, and we're excited about that! 

If you have any questions about how to update your hotel business center in a personalized and cost-effective way, please reach out!