NFIB

Live Large for Little
05/ 28/ 2003

by Robin Warshaw

With "value" the rallying cry in business travel, economy hotels are offering luxury business amenities and cost-cutting deals. Here are some standard perks you can now start to expect:

Internet connection: Now standard in many budget hotels, some have desktop ports so you don't have to crawl around to plug in. Wingate Inns has free, high-speed Internet access in every room.

Greater comfort: Special rooms offer pluses. Each Ovations room at Baymont Inns & Suites has a pillow-top mattress, down-filled pillows, large workspace, task lights, desktop Internet and complimentary bottled water.

Web bargains: Book online at hotel Web sites and get Web-only discounts of up to 25 percent or more. The Hampton Inns site has trip- and meeting-planning tools as well.

Improved mornings: That business essential -- the free continental breakfast -- now serves tastier coffee and more food choices. Holiday Inn Express recently redesigned its breakfast bar for greater appeal.

Better rewards: Revamped frequent-stay programs provide more than free room nights. La Quinta and others offer airline miles, retailer gift cards, sports tickets and more.

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This article originally appeared in the June/July 2003 issue of MyBusiness magazine.

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