That feeling… when it all comes together
How good is it when everything runs to plan? Whether it’s hammering through a to-do list without any curveballs, or getting your little people to all their activities on time, in the right gear, and without any meltdowns.
Let’s face it, we all prefer life when it runs smoothly.
For business travellers, the same can be said. From flights to taxis to their corporate travel accommodation, they want to get from A to B to C, hassle-free, no surprises. Subsequently, this is also high on the booker’s priority list – because it means they won’t be faced with unexpected interruptions in an already hectic day.
The good news is, that there are a few simple things that travel bookers and corporate travel accommodation providers can do to make business stays seamless.
Managing expectations
Managing a traveller’s expectations can have a huge impact on their experience. If a business traveller expects a 5-star hotel and arrives at a 3-star hotel, there will undoubtedly be disappointment. So ensure they have the information on what has been booked for them.
In the case where you have booked either serviced or corporate apartment-style accommodation, knowing what that entails can help the traveller feel prepared.
Think about your personal experiences. If you were to book an Airbnb property for a leisure stay, one of the first things you check is whether linen is included. That way if it isn’t, you can pack accordingly.
While linen will always be included in serviced and corporate apartments used for business travel accommodation, items like minibars and ongoing consumables might not be.
To help incoming travellers know what to expect, we’ve created a fantastic pre-arrival inclusions sheet for stays in an Astra Apartment. Check it out.
What else can you do to Facilitate Smooth Arrivals for Corporate Travellers?
While most of the work around arrivals is managed by the corporate travel accommodation provider, there are key steps that travel bookers can assist with.
Providing Contact Details for the Traveller
Most accommodation providers require the contact details of the person who will be staying with them. This information is essential, not only for knowing who to expect but also for sending important communications, such as arrival instructions. If, for any reason, you cannot provide these details, ensure that any key communications from the provider are promptly passed on to the traveller.
While it might seem trivial, we’ve had countless experiences of travellers reaching out through our website, saying their company had booked their stay but they were unsure what to do next.
Providing Arrival Time and Flight Details
Not all accommodation providers have a 24/7 manned reception desk, so providing arrival times and flight details is crucial. This information ensures tailored instructions can be given to the traveller based on the provider’s check-in procedures. For hotels, there might be a code for the main door; for serviced apartments, a lockbox they need to find.
At Astra Apartments, for instance, every arrival is personally met at the building, regardless of the time. Therefore, knowing the arrival time is crucial because there is no reception desk and management does not live on-site. Additionally, providing this information to Astra Apartments allows the booker to be notified quickly if the traveller does not show up.
If you’ve ticked these boxes, it’s time to sit back and relax, knowing your traveller will be welcomed and looked after by your business travel accommodation provider at the other end.
With smooth arrivals and relaxed corporate travellers, you can smile knowing that you are up for one of those days… where everything just runs to plan.
