Catering to Business Travellers: Elevating Your Short-Term Rental for Professionals

 

In the world of short-term rentals, one guest demographic that stands out for its reliability and consistent demand is business travellers. These professionals often seek accommodations that seamlessly blend comfort, convenience, and productivity.


To tap into this lucrative market, it's essential to understand the specific needs and preferences of business travellers and tailor your short-term rental property accordingly. In this guide, we'll dive deeper into the world of business travellers and explore proven ways to enhance your property's appeal to this discerning audience.


Some booking platforms where you could list your property and get it booked by a corporate client include:

All the above large booking portals have a “corporate booking” portal, which showcases all the listings from the portal in a more corporate-friendly way, generates receipts and invoices etc.


Understanding the Business Traveler's Needs


Before you can effectively cater to business travellers, it's crucial to grasp their unique requirements. In 2023, a huge part of business travellers’ work is still done remotely. The way to appeal to this demographic would be to showcase in your listing how your property can be used both for work and relaxation - with visibly separate sections of the property used for different activities.


Here are a couple more priorities for business travellers that you may find useful:


Proximity to Business Hubs:

Business travellers prefer accommodations close to their work destinations, minimising commute times and ensuring convenience.


Reliable Internet and Workspace:

A robust, high-speed internet connection is a must, along with a comfortable workspace for remote work tasks and meetings. Make sure your windows and walls are well sound-proofed, to keep the business calls private.


Flexible Check-In/Check-Out:

Business travellers often have varying schedules. Offering flexible check-in and check-out options can make your property more appealing.


Amenities for Relaxation:

While work is a priority, business travellers also appreciate amenities for relaxation, such as a well-equipped kitchen, TV with Netflix and extended channels offering, and a large bathtub or hot tub outside.


Tips for Catering to Business Travellers:

Now that you understand their needs, here are strategies to elevate your short-term rental for business travellers:


1. Reliable Workspace

Set up a dedicated workspace with a desk, ergonomic chair, and ample power outlets.

Provide essential office supplies like notepads, pens, and a printer.


2. Flexible Booking and Cancellation Policies

Offer flexible booking options, including weekly and monthly rates, to accommodate extended stays.

Consider flexible cancellation policies to cater to changing business plans.

3. Streamlined Check-In and Check-Out

Implement a self-check-in and check-out process with clear instructions - KeyNest can help here - you get to set up a remote check-in process without installing any hardware! See details at the bottom of this post.


4. High-Quality Amenities

Invest in high-quality appliances, bedding, and furnishings to create a comfortable and upscale experience.

Stock the kitchen with essentials like a coffee machine (a decent capsule one or a proper machine with a grinder), cookware, and utensils for convenient meals.


5. Be Business-Friendly

Make sure that the way that you take bookings, and the way that they can be checked, is “business friendly”

Simplify the process of booking on behalf of corporate guests. Consider offering special deals for Personal Assistants who usually manage the bookings for their managers and colleagues. For instance, after they've made five bookings for their colleagues, they might become eligible for a discounted stay themselves. An efficient Property Management System (PMS) with corporate booking capabilities can streamline this process effortlessly.

Install secure locks and provide information about safety measures on your property.

Offer secure parking options if possible.


6. Local Recommendations

Compile a list of local restaurants, cafes, and convenience stores near your property, along with their opening hours.


7. Exceptional Communication

Be responsive to inquiries and requests, demonstrating a commitment to excellent customer service.

Offer a contact person or property manager available 24/7 for guest assistance.


About Us

KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 5,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property already.

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point, which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times.

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more, visit our website: https://keynest.com/

 
Zuza Chmielewska