As companies extend their work-from-home regulations during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, hotel chains are getting creative with designing packages to appeal to consumers looking for an alternative to their home office and the potential distractions that come with one. While these programs aren't necessarily geared toward traditional business travelers, they are designed for travelers in need of doing business during their stays.
Marriott International on Tuesday announced the Work Anywhere with Marriott Bonvoy program, which was partially designed based on customer feedback that showed 42 percent of more than 400 U.S. business professionals would consider working from a hotel.
"Working remotely doesn't necessarily have to mean working from home, where blurred lines between personal and professional lives can create distractions and stress," said Marriott group president of consumer operations, technology and emerging businesses Stephanie Linnartz in a statement.
The program's Day Pass makes a hotel room at participating properties available from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Benefits include a welcome amenity and complimentary bottled water, and use of business facilities where available. The Stay Pass combines the Day Pass with an overnight stay, allowing for checkout at 6 p.m. the following day, plus use of hotel amenities like the pool or fitness center, and free breakfast and complimentary evening cocktails where available. Play Pass is available for longer stays at participating luxury and resort locations. The pass comes with a business concierge, supervised kids' activities, and preferred office and study spaces, among other benefits. The passes also allow guests to earn points on eligible hotel charges.
Earlier this month, Hilton introduced a pilot of Workspaces by Hilton, a work-from-hotel program available at participating properties in the United States and Canada, excluding Quebec, "for both corporate customers and individuals seeking private office space to increase efficiency in their workday," wrote a company representative in an email.
The program includes a private standard guest room, food-and-beverage options, a desk and chair as well as a workspace, complimentary Wi-Fi, access to hotel amenities as available, and the ability to earn Hilton Honors points.
Hyatt Hotels Corp. expanded its Work From Hyatt program in late August after what it called a strong response to its initial launch, with nearly 60 hotels across North America and the Caribbean participating. "People are looking for more than just weekend escapes, and our extended-stay package allows guests to enjoy premium amenities and services at our resorts with the conveniences of still being able to work and learn remotely," said Hyatt SVP commercial services Asad Ahmed in a statement. Prices start at $139 plus tax for a minimum stay of seven nights, and include such benefits as a separate workspace, daily F&B credit, complimentary high-speed W-Fi internet access and waived resort fees. Guests can earn World of Hyatt loyalty points and can use their points to redeem for a Work From Hyatt package.