It is not enough these days for hotels to attract business travelers simply by offering discount travel packages and discount hotel rooms. Hotels are starting to appeal to guests who want to mix business with pleasure. Hotels are reporting that more conference attendees are reserving weekend rooms before or after meetings, often with family members.
43 percent of Homewoods frequent guests said in a survey in 2000 that they combined a business and leisure trip. That figure increased to 67 percent when guests were surveyed earlier this year.
The follows are some ways hotels are trying to appeal to leisure oriented business guests:
Homewood Suites will revamp and expand its hotels fitness facilities in 2011, installing machines that have plug-in ports for TV and music.
Renaissance Hotels check out local hot spots and upcoming events, such as street fairs, sporting events and shows, providing guests with an updated list when they check in.
Kimptons Palomar Chicago hotel has a manager who takes guests out twice a week on a 3 to 4 mile jog that also serves as a sightseeing tour of Lake Michigan.
Radisson Hotels have started selling a package that includes free Internet access, breakfast, a newspaper, turn-down service, a drink credit and early check in for an additional $30.
Holiday Inn Oceanfront at Hilton Head Island, S.C. has seen more meeting planners reserving rooms for meetings Monday through Wednesday or Wednesday through Friday in the summer to make it easy for people who want to extend their stays. Planners are requesting that their group discounts be extended to weekends.
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