BCD Travel Survey: What Business Travelers Look for in Hotels

BCD Travel surveyed 1,035 business travelers worldwide, capturing their accommodation preferences, booking and payment habits, and the challenges they face during their business trips.

Accommodations: Comfort, Location, and Employer Policies

Most business travelers choose mid-range (3*) or upper-class (4*) hotels, with location being the most important factor (77%). Employer policies (56%) and cost (53%) also play an important role. Occasional apartment dwellers prefer apartments for longer trips, as they offer more space and the ability to prepare meals and laundry.

Search, book, and pay

75% use their company’s online booking tool (OBT) to search for hotels, while 33% turn to hotel websites or apps. For booking, 84% again choose OBT, 20% directly through the hotel, and only 10% by phone. Three out of four pay with a corporate credit card, while virtual cards are rarely used.

75% of travelers say that their company sets a price cap for hotels, 10% say there are no limits, and 18% do not know.

Habits and preferences

Personal experience strongly influences choice: 77% prefer hotel chains with consistent service standards, while 73% stay in the same hotel on repeat visits to the same destination.

The most frequently used amenities are Wi-Fi and breakfast. Restaurants, parking, fitness centers, and flexible check-in/check-out are also popular. Travelers also value wellness amenities, such as bottled water, pools, spas, and healthy dining options.

Earning loyalty points is a strong motivator, especially in North America, where 99% are members of relevant programs. Overall, 80% participate in at least one program and 2/3 choose hotels that partner with them. 75% say they save points from business stays.

Problems and security

70% say they are satisfied with their company’s hotel policy and preferred suppliers. However, complaints are recorded about slow Wi-Fi, not including breakfast in the price, outdated rooms, and uncomfortable beds.

Security remains a concern: 30% said they did not feel safe due to the location, while 70% double-lock their room door.

Sustainability: Low Priority

50% rarely or never consider environmental factors when booking. 40% don’t consider sustainability at all, while only 20% look for features like eco-certification, reduced plastic, low carbon, water efficiency or limited cleaning.

BCD Travel says sustainability should be built into the hotel selection process and goals should be clearly communicated to travelers.

Strategy for the Future

As Teri Miller, BCD’s Executive Vice President, notes, a successful hotel program is “dynamic” and adapts to the needs of the market and travelers. With the hotel contract negotiation period underway, the company is providing tools and advice to better leverage programs and improve deals for 2026.