Bidets and gifts are not everything that’s new in the road warrior’s world

ROAD warriors can be the hospitality industry’s harshest critics.

However, they love giving praise where it’s due – and it certainly has been an interesting and praiseworthy year.

And what a difference 12 months makes. Paying for internet access is as distant a memory as housemaids turning down doona covers and leaving a chocolate on the pillow each night. So, what’s new ‘on the road’?

• Airlines are more competitive than ever with extended happy hour sales and lead times of five-to-six weeks with destination promotions. As a result, road warriors will often extend a work trip by taking in the weekend with their families at reduced airline rates, without breaking the budget. Well done Virgin and Qantas.

• During a stay at the Royal on The Park Brisbane, not only was I treated to a most-appreciated complimentary biscuits and water and a room upgrade, but for the first time ever in Australia, I saw a bidet in the bathroom. As a fellow traveller explained, if you are targeting the Japanese market, this is a brilliant room inclusion. Tourists enjoy being reminded of home, just as much as the road warriors do. Well done Royal on the Park.

• Airport hotels are springing up in many capital cities. Most recently I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonably-priced Ibis Hotel at Brisbane airport. Although there is a A$5 shuttle to and from the hotel with the first shuttle departing at 4.15 am, it is within walking distance of the domestic terminal and - being only six months old - is very flash as is the Pullman Brisbane Airport Hotel next door. Although the Ibis does not have room service, it does have a great restaurant and large bath towels – another reminder of being at home. And if you are booked on an early flight, airport hotels do allow you that little extra sleep in.

• Recently, my biggest surprise was in Alice Springs.

When my accommodation was confirmed as the Macdonnell Range Holiday Park, I had visions of sleeping bags and public toilets with rubber thongs. Was I in for a surprise. The organiser of the event I was attending assured me I was in for a treat as although there was a festival in town that had monopolised the bulk of the hotel accommodation, he had heard rave reviews about the Big 4 Holiday Park’s new luxury cabins. And they were exactly that. Comfortable beds, a very snazzy bathroom, dining table and chairs – everything you would expect to see in a luxury apartment. Plus, there was a 31-metre water slide, two pools and free nightly entertainment under the most amazing stars. You can guess where I will be staying next time I visit Alice Springs.

• Have you noticed that guests arriving early at hotels/accommodation venues are regularly given early access to their rooms, if they are available and ready for occupancy? This may not be a big deal for a hotel that has stuck to a 2pm check in and 10am check out, but for the weary traveller, it is most appreciated. And it’s another reason why they become ‘regular road warriors’. Let’s face it, although they receive early check in one day, chances are they also are an early check out when they leave, and hotels can allow another early guest to occupy the room after it is serviced.

• Road warriors love to be reminded of home when they travel, it makes travelling a lot more bearable. Did you know that’s why they often stay at the same hotels regularly, because of the feeling of familiarity? And the golden words they love to hear, “Welcome back mister XX? /ms YY, lovely to see you again”.

No doubt other road warriors are finding hidden treasures throughout Australia and New Zealand every day. What I know for sure is that hotels and venues with professional and friendly concierge and reception staff have a head start on those who don’t.

All the advertising, social media and marketing is totally wasted if your front-line staff are not professional.

Happy networking until next time.

For more articles by Robyn Henderson, visit www.networkingtowin.com.au