Laptops, tablets and scuffed notepads are dotted across a communal table, behind which people of various ages, professions and nationalities get on with their days work, some engaging in stimulating conversations with surrogate colleagues while others are laser-focused on the task at hand, their ear buds blocking out background noise. It's a scene remote workers will be familiar with the only difference is that you're sitting a couple metres from people checking in and out.
In recent years, hotel brands have capitalised on the growth in remote and hybrid working, redesigning public spaces to include shared workspaces, converting unoccupied rooms into offices that can be rented by the day (see Our guide to working from hotels, October 2020), or setting up standalone co-working venues. On a personal level, this has made my business travel life a lot easier. Hotel stays now come with comfortable workspaces on my temporary doorstep.
Product of the pandemic
Historically, public spaces in hotels have had little function other than to serve as a reception area. Buzzy in the morning and late afternoon, the lull in between calls for activity - preferably one that generates some revenue.
While savvy remote workers have long used such spaces for work, the recent growth in hybrid work lifestyles owing to the pandemic has undoubtedly increased interest and prompted redesigns of public areas.
"I don't know what's the chicken and the egg in this situation, but for me this trend is to stay. It just might fluctuate a bit," says Anna Spjuth, chief commercial officer of Nordic hotel group Scandic Hotels.
Esta historia es de la edición October 2022 de Business Traveller UK.
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Esta historia es de la edición October 2022 de Business Traveller UK.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 8500 revistas y periódicos.
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Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore
BACKGROUND This biophilic property opened in June 2023 and is the second Pan Pacific hotel in the city, the other being the Pan Pacific Singapore. The hotel is a member of the Green Collection within the GHA Discovery loyalty programme. It is BCA Green Mark Platinum-certified for its sustainability credentials.
The Hoxton, Lloyd Amsterdam
BACKGROUND The Hoxton brand debuted in London's Shoreditch in 2006 and is part of Ennismore, in which Accor holds a majority stake. The brand has 16 properties across Europe and North America, including two in Amsterdam - the first opened in 2015 in the city centre, followed by this property in the Eastern Docklands in August 2023.
Ruby Zoe, London
BACKGROUND Germany's Ruby Hotels launched in 2013, and operates 17 properties in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Zurich.
London Hilton on Park Lane
BACKGROUND The London Hilton on Park Lane opened in 1963 - the first Hilton property in the UK. To celebrate its 60th anniversary last year, the hotel embarked on an extensive multi-million pound refurbishment led by the GA Group.
Philippine Airlines A321 business class SINGAPORE-MANILA
BACKGROUND Philippine Airlines operates flights from Singapore Changi Airport to Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport, using A321ceo aircraft, which stands for 'current engine option, indicating an older aircraft than the A321neo. My flight (PR502) was a morning departure at 1035, arriving 1425 local time in Manila.
Lima
Peru's coastal capital boasts colourful public parks, striking street art and generous plates of ceviche
The inside scoop
We chat to the president of luxury hotel and restaurant association Relais & Châteaux, which marks its 70th anniversary this month
Why business isn't better
Our 'columnist' this month explains why they believe economy class reigns supreme over business class
Here be dragons
For a city known for its densely packed streets and hectic pace of life, Hong Kong has a truly remarkable countryside
Provincial Provence
As Terre Blanche marks its 20th anniversary, we experience the resort's golfing and spa facilities as well as Michelin-starred food and blush rosé