How to Organize Executive Accommodations

Road warriors know the ins and outs of booking hotels. Many upscale
hotels woo lucrative business travelers with premium mattresses, free
Internet access and other perks. Take a few tips from their book.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Choose a hotel that's in close proximity to your meeting or client. Ask your client if they have a company discount with the hotel.

2. Use the promise of a long stay (or if you will return often over a period of time), as leverage to ask for extras:

3. Look for hotels with in-room amenities: voice mail availability, two-line speaker phone, fax/printer/copier, ergonomic chair, 24-hour room service, coffeemaker and ironing board.

Tips & Warnings

• Drop off shirts at the cleaners when you leave and pick up when you return.
• Many hotels now offer wireless Internet connections in the lobby, but there may still be a charge for in-room connecting.
• Join car companies frequent rental programs and take advantage of one-click booking and streamlined pickup, such as at Budget Fastbreak or Hertz Gold.