Hotels for a business trip: how to choose

For a business trip the right hotel is not the fanciest, it is the one that lets you work without friction. A location near the meeting, wifi that holds a video call, a real desk and an invoice in the company name beat any spa. Here is what to optimise, in order of importance, so you arrive rested and leave without loose ends.

Location, first of all

Close to where you work

• Choose a hotel near the office, the meeting venue or the conference centre, or with fast transport: every minute less of commute is stress removed.
• For an in-and-out trip, near the airport can matter more than the city centre. Choose the area well: see how to choose the neighbourhood.

Connection and workspace

Wifi that actually holds

• Ask about the real speed or whether there is a wired connection, not just wifi in the lobby.
• You need it for stable video calls, not just to check email.

Desk, chair and sockets

• A real desk and a comfortable chair, not a low armchair.
• Power and USB sockets close enough to the desk to work without acrobatics.

Timing and flexibility

Around your flights

• Consider an early check-in or a late check-out around flight times: see early check-in and late check-out.
• A 24-hour reception, express or mobile check-in and check-out, and luggage storage save precious time.

Eating on a work rhythm

• Breakfast early enough before meetings, or a grab-and-go option.
• Room service or late dining if you land in the evening, a fridge and a kettle in the room.
• A bar or a decent lobby for an informal meeting without booking a room.

Extras that make the difference

• A quiet room, away from the lift and the street, for calls; blackout curtains against jet lag and good lighting.
• An iron or steamer for a crisp shirt, laundry or dry-cleaning for longer trips.
• A gym to keep your routine and, if you need them, meeting rooms on site.

Expenses, invoices and loyalty

• Ask for a valid invoice in the company name with the tax number: without it, the reimbursement becomes a headache.
• Check for a corporate or loyalty rate and points that add up across trips.
• Know your company travel policy and per-night cap before booking. If you add leisure days, a good location doubles up.

Your business checklist

• Near the meeting or with fast transport, including the airport if needed.
• Fast, reliable wifi, with a desk, chair and sockets close by.
• Flexibility on check-in and check-out around flights, 24-hour reception.
• Breakfast early or grab-and-go, and food available if you land late.
• A quiet room for calls, blackout, an iron and a gym if you need them.
• An invoice in the company name with the tax number, and a corporate or loyalty rate.
• Compare the real total, breakfast and transfers included, across several hotels.

Good to know

What matters most for work? Location, reliable wifi, a real desk and an invoice in the company name. The spa comes a long way after.

How do I make sure the wifi handles video calls? Ask about the real speed or a wired connection, and check recent reviews from people who worked at the hotel; wifi only in the lobby is not enough.

Can I get a company invoice? Ask at booking and at check-out, made out to the company with the tax number; keep it for the reimbursement.

Near the airport or in the centre? It depends on the trip: in-and-out near the airport, several days or meetings in the city near the venue.

Where do I compare business hotels? Compare location, real total and amenities across several hotels, then book with the provider; on Edenfinder you compare hotels, you do not pay on Edenfinder.

Compare hotels by location, real total and work amenities. Search hotels in Milan or search hotels for your trip.