Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Where Can I Find A Business Center In Hotel Lobbies?

By Adriana Noton

Business travel used to be simple and fun. Traveling by air has changed some of that. Having to carry a laptop, printer and all the paraphernalia that goes with this equipment has also become a real pain. Not to mention that if flying, many airlines are charging for extra baggage. The advent of having a business center hotels lobbies, has really become a huge benefit.

Even when you are able to pick up a wireless signal, if you have your laptop, which is not always an easy thing to do, the materials used to construct the newer hotels, makes it sometimes difficult to have a steady and strong signal. If you are only checking email, that is one thing, but if it is necessary for you to fax, copy or print anything, a business center is very helpful.

When these first started showing up, they were not very well equipped and often they would not even be working. Now, not only are they always working, the functionality is top notch. In some hotels, software companies will donate product for the business traveler to use.

Often you will see products that are not available at retail yet. This way, a software company can see how the product works in a controlled atmosphere. It allows for them to test products and often you will be asked to review some of what you used. For taking part the hotel will usually offer you a prepaid card to use in the business center on your next visit.

They are also very easy to use. All that is necessary is the cash to put into a machine and out pops a debit card for the center. As you use your time, a clock will show how much time you have left, so you can't get overcharged for additional time. And it's likely that you will not waste time. They are truly designed to get you to work and finish as quickly as possible. When traveling, you may wrap up your day in a much shorter time than if you were stuck in your office or sitting at your desk at home.

Some of the more upscale hotels will have the newest technology available. It allows you to try some software or printer that you may not have access to anywhere else. There have been many travelers whom have requested where they can buy some of the stuff that is loaded on the computers, that in some cases, has not hit the market yet. Some software companies donate these products to get a feel of how people will respond to them, before they are sold at retail. In fact, you may be asked to review some new products before you leave the hotel. The usual reward is a prepaid card to use on your next trip.

Every time that you make a reservation, ask if there have a business center. The functionality and ease of use is a real benefit. When you have more to do than what can be done on your laptop, the convenience of having a place that is this equipped is truly helpful. The more you travel and the more you use them, the more you will like it. And more importantly, the better prepared you will appear.

It may be necessary to have something faxed to you, for an important presentation, or something you need to close a sale. Having all of this technology at your fingertips will make your trip more of a success. Plan well and just as a test, leave your laptop at home, when planning your next trip. You may find that extra baggage and potential cost, if flying, may not be necessary.

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