A new report by BCD Travel on business travel accommodation preferences reveals that midscale and upscale hotels remain the top choice for most professionals, with location, company policy, and cost being the key decision-making factors.

The research, which surveyed 1,035 business travellers worldwide, offers insights into booking habits, on-site amenity use, and loyalty programme participation. It also highlights a growing preference for apartments among travellers on extended trips, who value the added space and convenience.

Accommodation preferences
Most travellers opt for midscale (three-star) or upscale (four-star) hotels when travelling for business. Hotel location (77%) plays a major role in selecting a hotel, along with employer policy (56%) and cost (53%). Travellers who occasionally stay in apartments say this type of accommodation is more convenient for longer stays, providing more space and the option to prepare meals and do laundry.

Searching, booking and paying
Over three-quarters of business travellers use their company’s online booking tool (OBT) to search for accommodation, while a third turn to hotel websites or apps.

When booking, 84% use their company’s OBT, one in five book directly via supplier websites, while one in 10 call the hotel. Three-quarters pay with a corporate credit card. Virtual cards are used rarely. Three-quarters of travellers say their employer sets hotel rate limits, one in 10 report no limits and 18% don’t know if their employer sets rate limits.

Traveller behaviour
Personal preferences strongly influence hotel choices: 77% prefer chain hotels with familiar service standards and 73% stay at the same hotel when visiting a destination repeatedly.

Wi-Fi and breakfast are the most frequently used hotel services. Other popular amenities include on- site restaurants and bars, parking facilities, fitness centers and flexible check-in/check-out. Travellers also value well-being-related features, such as complimentary bottled water, gyms, pools, spas and healthy food options.

Travellers favour hotels that help them earn and maximise loyalty points, especially in North America where as many as 99% are members of a hotel loyalty programmme.

Overall, eight in 10 participate in at least one program and many are enrolled in two or more. Two-thirds often or always choose hotels aligned with their loyalty programs. Three-quarters say their employer allows them to keep points earned from business stays, while 21% are unsure.

Challenges
While seven in 10 are satisfied with their company’s hotel policy and preferred suppliers, there is still room for improvement. Common issues include slow Wi-Fi, breakfast not being included in the rate, outdated rooms and uncomfortable beds.

A third report no challenges during the booking process. Among those who do, the biggest challenge is insufficient rate limits set by employers.

Safety remains a concern. Three in 10 say they didn’t feel safe in their hotel location and seven in 10 double-lock their doors when in their rooms.

Sustainability
Half of travellers rarely or never consider environmental factors when booking hotels. Four in 10 don’t take any sustainability elements into account at all. Only one in five look for features like eco-certification, reduced single-use plastics, low carbon emissions, water-saving measures or limited housekeeping.

For the full survey report, click here.