Road warriors often have their favorite hotel brand, but in some cities, there are limited choices. In others, there might be so many choices that it is hard to decide. That’s why it can be helpful to know which brands are designed for business travelers, so you can earn points and make smart travel decisions at the same time.
Hilton Honors
Using hard-earned points for a vacation award redemption means waived resort fees, too. When paired with one of the fastest ways to Diamond elite status (the hotel’s top level) via the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you have a strong contender for best hotel rewards program for business travelers who want to spend their points on a personal vacation later.
Hilton Hotels & Resorts
As the flagship brand for Hilton, the Hilton brand spans the globe in both city and resort destinations. Many of its properties have meeting facilities, as well as executive lounges that are popular with elite members. Gold and Diamond members can enjoy complimentary breakfast if a club lounge isn’t available — perhaps another draw for business visitors.
Embassy Suites by Hilton
You can’t go wrong with a free, made-to-order breakfast, evening happy hour with free wine, beer and cocktails plus snacks, and every accommodation offers a two-room suite. While families will be happy here, this is also a great option for business travelers (especially those traveling on their own dime). You’ll have everything you need in one place — even if you’re just working remotely in your suite.
Homewood Suites by Hilton
With more than 500 properties open, these all-suite accommodations come with full kitchens and separate living areas. They’re intended for extended stays, making them a good fit for business travelers who want to be self-sufficient. Even better, rooms come with complimentary breakfast and an evening social hour several nights a week with free wine, beer and snacks.
Marriott Bonvoy
With so many hotel brands in its portfolio, Marriott seemingly has one for nearly every type of traveler — from luxury-minded to budget-focused, including many built for the corporate traveler. Of course, Marriott Bonvoy’s strength as a hotel loyalty program is another major driver of business, especially with its elite member benefits guarantee and ability to earn bonus points and elite status via Marriott-affiliated credit cards. While there are a lot of Marriott Bonvoy brands that delight those who travel for work, these are the business travel hotel brands with some of the most ideal options.
Marriott Hotels
The company’s flagship brand, Marriott, comes in all shapes and sizes, from conference-oriented properties to resorts. What most have in common are several key features: Club lounges (ideal for elite status travelers or those wishing to pay for an upgrade), a TED Talks partnership that supplies unique content via in-room TVs and the Marriott Bonvoy app, and Greatroom lobby lounges (perfect for relaxing after a day of meetings).
Sheraton
Following a redesign announcement, Sheraton wants to become a destination for groups to gather and business travelers to be productive. In addition to club lounges that will appeal to elite status members, its public areas will feature private, soundproof studio workspaces and “productivity tables,” encouraging guests to enjoy complimentary refreshments as they work or cowork. The lobby lounge will serve craft coffee beverages in the morning and transition to a cocktail menu later in the day.
Gaylord Hotels
This is one of Marriott’s smallest brands as it has five properties only, but the hotels are enormous. That’s because these properties are designed for meetings and events. From corporate gatherings to gigantic conventions, business and social interaction is the heart of the Gaylord brand. Cleverly, Gaylord properties incorporate leisure facilities, like entertainment programming and water parks, so that business travelers can bring the family along.
Residence Inn
Longer-stay guests can maximize productivity thanks to larger accommodations at Marriott’s Residence Inn, many of which have separate living and sleeping areas, plus kitchenettes. Complimentary breakfast, and many nights of the week, free dinner with wine and beer, are among the perks that business travelers appreciate most when on the road.
🤓Nerdy Tip
You only earn 5 points per $1 spent at Residence Inns (as well as Towneplace Suites). The usual Marriott base rate is 10 points per $1. Factor this into your decision as a trade-off if you choose to stay there for the long-term amenities.
World of Hyatt
Using the points you earned on the clock for a resort award redemption means waived resort fees, too. World of Hyatt keeps life on the road healthy and well-balanced; for instance, the curated mindfulness content from Headspace available in guest rooms and via the World of Hyatt app can help business travelers looking to stay grounded.
Hyatt Regency
These business-focused hotels have full-service facilities like a restaurant, bar and meeting space. Many also have a Regency Club lounge accessible to top elite members or those willing to pay an upgrade for access.
Grand Hyatt
Designed to be large, opulent and focused on meetings and events travel, Grand Hyatt properties around the world cater well to the frequent business traveler. Amenities like a lounge for elite status members and those wishing to pay for the upgrade, a premium fitness center and restaurant mean road warriors are well cared for during a stay.
Hyatt House
These select-service, extended-stay hotels are designed for the price-sensitive traveler who wants more suite amenities than a traditional hotel room. Hyatt House properties come with apartment-style kitchen suites and workout facilities. For those with long stays in one place, it’s usually more economical (and less hassle) to stay in a hotel over signing a short-term lease for an apartment. And it’s always better to earn loyalty points, too.
If you’re choosing between business travel hotels
Hotel companies have numerous brands targeting different audiences, from budget-friendly options to luxury properties designed to pamper. The business traveler can find some form of benefits at almost all hotels, but some brands within the major programs are especially notable. The next time you travel for work, look for these hotel brands that deliver a reliable, road warrior-friendly experience.
All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by NerdWallet. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is no longer available through NerdWallet.
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