Find that special hotel

Today’s budget conscious travellers are seeking value added services in their travel purchases:

• Complimentary breakfast
• Use of a health spa
• Free transport from the airport
• Room upgrades
• Technical support

These are just a few of the many incentives that hotels are providing in an effort to replace heavy discounts with added value. The Murano Urban Resort, in the chic Marais district of Paris, even offers a private swimming pool for those who stay in its top floor suites.

Similar new hotels are opening up around the world, especially in faster developing cities like Budapest, Prague, Barcelona and India’s Bangalore and Chennai.

In what was previously the jewel of the British Empire Madras, Chennai has a number of new, chic properties, including The Park, on Anna Salai Road in the heart of the city. Guests have use of luxurious health spa facilities, a pool terrace, and adjacent to the European-style restaurant is the Leather Bar. Tables, chairs, walls, the bar itself and even the staff are clad in supple black and olive Indian leather. For executives who like to be ‘with it’ visiting the latest fashionable venues of the world, The Park should satisfy.

Low cost flights, frequent flyer club miles and two for one offers are making it easier for partners to join their other half for all or part of business trips.

Domestic flights in the United States are easily purchased on the Internet at ridiculously low prices – New York to New Orleans for example for under £60 each way. Once in New Orleans, the boss and their partner cannot fail to be impressed by the ornate and stylish Maison Dupuy in the heart of the city’s French Quarter.

Like many boutique hotel properties, the Maison Dupuy offers five-star service and surroundings at less than four-star prices, but added value service here is the rule. Celebration champagne breakfast in bed, trays of chocolate-dipped strawberries, extravagant fresh flower displays and intimate dining in the celebrated Dominique’s restaurant are all provided at a small surcharge to those wishing to share something special with their other half.

Many travellers request a hotel with leisure facilities and a fitness centre. In reality, only about 4% of guests actually make use of these features once they arrive. Unless it is certain such facilities will be used, it makes sense to choose a hotel near the place of work, with added value, superior rooms and within budget.

Employees must be as alert, if not more alert, away from the office than when sitting at the desk. It is much more likely that they will perform well if their hotel stay has been enjoyable, comfortable and relaxing.

Tips
Always check what is included in the room rate, what additional taxes apply and details of the cancellation policy.

Early check in and late check out may also be on offer and will prove worthwhile if flights are at awkward times.

Do not waste time on the Internet looking for special offers but do check that the rate quoted for your company is compatible with that offered to the public online. Never try to telephone your travel management company and request the Internet rate. If you need these lower rates, book online.