How hotels are elevating the business center

At one time the traditional business center was a necessity for road warrior. However, today’s advanced business travel gadgets, collaboration apps and mobile boarding passes allow business travelers to be their own mobile offices. In fact, most hotels have gotten rid of business centers all together, swapping them out for free Wi-Fi and high-tech in-room and property-wide amenities.

According to Gautam Lulla, President of Travel Tripper, providing guests computers nowadays isn’t really needed, especially when most documents — like your boarding pass, for example — have a mobile option. While Lulla said a high-speed connection and wireless printing make more sense than a traditional business center, he does foresee hotels providing travelers with mobile devices in the future. Aloft Bangkok has already begun experimenting with their “Touch” Rooms. Lulla explains:

“The device [you receive at check-in] serves as a your room key and allows you to control the lights, room temperature, watch Apple TV, and order room service. The best part is that it also services as an actual phone and mobile device — you can use it for free local calls, and use the Wi-Fi data service on it to access the Internet and Google Maps while you’re out and about.”

Interestingly, virtual reality (VR), which has already begun transforming travel, may be the future of the business center. While Skype and Facetime have helped with connecting remote workers and their companies, Endri Tolka, COO of YouVisit, notes VR breaks down the “fourth wall” of these communication platforms. He says:

“VR stations in the business center will not only help the hotels differentiate themselves from their competition but also provide an additional revenue stream with minimal investment. Visitors could come to your L.A.-based hotel with the purpose of attending meetings physically nearby for the morning, but then have the ability to check in on a job site in Chicago and attend a meeting in NYC, all before having dinner with a new partner back in L.A.”

Here’s a look at a few hotels that have taken the business center to the next level:

1. Eventi, A Kimpton Hotel (New York). This boutique property launched its Business Bar (shown above) in April, allowing business travelers to leave their gadgets at home and make use of the hotel’s gadgets for free. Some items include MacBook Pros, GoPros, Kindles, iPads and Logitech Bluetooth Multi-Device Keyboard K480’s. At a time when airline baggage fees are sky high this is certainly a blessing.

2. Boston Marriott Burlington (Burlington, MA). After an 18-month, multi-million dollar renovation, this property opened the Greatroom, complete with free high-speed Wi-Fi, charging stations, a large fireplace, a 14-person work table, full bar serving booze and bites, and — the highlight — sectioned-off media pods equipped with tables, chairs and conferencing systems for complimentary use.

3. Atlantis Casino Resort Spa (Reno, Nevada). Along with business supplies and faxing, copying and printing services, this property offers full shipping and handling services for package delivery and receiving. Similarly, the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas features a FedEx Office Print & Ship Center within the hotel.

4. Hotel Victor (Miami, Florida). Instead of having a separate business center, Hotel Victor integrates complimentary amenities — including Mac computers, iPads, Wi-Fi and printers — into the lobby for 24/7 usage, complete with comfortable couches, free coffee (until 10am) and food and drink service from the onsite restaurants.

5. Taj Mahal New Delhi (New Delhi, India). Milanov cites this property as having one of the world’s most unique business centers, offering everything from video conferencing and fax machines to secretary services to a comprehensive legal library.

And if your hotel doesn’t have your desire business center amenities? You may want to consider a co-working vacation.

Jessica Festa is the founder on the solo and offbeat travel blog, Jessie on a Journey, and the online responsible tourism and culture magazine, Epicure & Culture. She’s constantly searching for local experiences beyond the guidebook. You can follow her travels on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.