New results reveal professionals across Great Britain are enjoying business trips as a form of escape. 

According to a survey of over 1,000 business travellers, commissioned by Best Western Great Britain, a quarter of workers enjoy getting away from the office and find business travel relaxing, providing them with an escape from everyday life.

Respondents’ top guilty pleasures when away from home for work include having time on their own, having a bed to themselves and not having to cook for themselves.

More than a third of those surveyed said access to leisure facilities which helped them switch off (e.g. swimming pool, gym, and golf facilities) were important or very important in their final decision on choosing accommodation. Having an internet connection was more important to them than the overall cost of a stay.

Best Western Great Britain CEO Rob Payne said: “The importance of Wi-Fi over price was interesting to hear and we are proud to have been the first hotel group in Great Britain to introduce free Wi-Fi for our guests, a brand standard we are currently upgrading.

“It was also revealing to hear that corporate guests use business stays to recharge from everyday life with some nightly indulgences such as a good sleep, nice food and time to relax.

“These results show that people who travel for work are looking for more than just a bed and a desk while they’re away.”

On average, respondents would expect to pay on average £87.50 for a night’s stay, which is £7.70 higher than the average corporate booking via Best Western Great Britain, which is £79.80.

Rob continues “Business travel has changed dramatically over the years and hotels have to react before they are no longer relevant. We are listening to the needs of business travellers and changing our offering; investing in our conference spaces, providing better quality free Wi-Fi and offering innovative added extras in many of our conferencing venues to ensure our product remains our corporate travellers preferred choice.”