Where Can I Find A Business Center In Hotel Lobbies?
February 10, 2010 by Adriana Noton
Filed under Hotels
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.
There are many occasions when the need for a fax machine or copy machine is needed. It used to be all right to bring a portable printer when you were traveling, but now there is no need as many of these centers are better equipped than your office.
Over the past five or so years, almost every hotel has added a business center in the lobby. You will usually find several computers, a fax machine, a copy machine and obviously, Internet access. Fortunately, the cost of using these facilities is still inexpensive, but they are as functional as being in your office, or your home office.
When this idea was introduced business centers were not very functional. The computers were slow. The software was outdated and that was about it. Today, these are well designed and have pretty much everything you need to work efficiently. You will now find lightning fast computers with up to date software, fax machines and copiers. There are several software companies that are donating their newest technology to the hotel computers. You may be using products that are not even available at retail.
One of the biggest changes in the past few years, is how much more is available in the center. Early on, there were a couple of outdated computers that were slow and poorly equipped. Today, the computers are lightning fast. You will find printers, copiers and fax machines as well. They have evolved into small offices for the business travelers.
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.
When you enter, make a small deposit into an ATM and you will receive a debit card for the value of your deposit. You then insert this into a module next to your computer and you are in business. As your time winds down a little clock will notify you of how much time you have left. It may be there to keep you from wasting time, so do what you need to do and finish up.
Overall, the business center in hotel lobbies is a great addition. When you are making reservations, be sure to ask if there is one on premise and if not, stay somewhere else. The better hotels are basically telling you that they appreciate you staying there and they wish to make your stay as comfortable and functional as possible.
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