Hotels: everything you need to welcome remote workers

Since the pandemic, more and more people have taken up the workation. Whether they rent a house for a few weeks or check into a hotel, this trend shows no sign of slowing down. So make the most of it and attract remote workers to your property.

The packages

Above all, remote workers are looking to work in a holiday setting. They want all the benefits of a holiday while bringing their work along with them. So what can you offer to make their life easier?

You could start by putting together a package with excellent wifi, unlimited coffee in the room and, why not, a food service on request delivered to the door? The aim here: make life simple for them! Here is an example from the Hôtels Barrières. And another from the Hôtel Mansart.

The furniture

Logically enough, the most important thing is to provide a desk where your guests can work. Ideally, it should come with a notepad, a pen and a coffee machine within easy reach.

If your rooms already have all of that, put yourself in the guest's shoes. What view would you like to have? Then perhaps change the orientation of the desk accordingly. Should it be close to the bed or not? Ask yourself every possible question to find the right spot for that desk. And why not add a plant or a splash of colour!

If a desk in the room simply is not possible, try to set up a welcoming coworking room, with coffee, something to eat, a good wifi connection and, if you can manage it, a lovely view or plenty of windows. Do make sure you comply with the covid-19 measures in force.

The key takeaways:

You need to create a working atmosphere that is pleasant and welcoming. And do not forget that your guest almost certainly will not want to be disturbed while they are working. So take care to have the rooms serviced only while they are out. You can even ask your guest over breakfast what time they would like their room made up, to show them that nothing is too much trouble.

Of course, do not forget to provide an excellent wifi connection and to list all the facilities you offer on your website. In fact, why not create a dedicated section to attract even more people? What about you: have you noticed this new trend? Did you have to adapt, or was everything already in place?

And where do you stand on food and drink? If it helps, we have put together a full article on the subject.

Here's what you can offer to meet teleworkers' expectations, from welcome packages to furniture details.

Element	Location	Key detail
Wi-Fi connection	Room and common areas	Excellent speed required
Desk	Room or coworking space	Well-positioned, with notebook and pens
Coffee	Room or common area	Unlimited in room or self-service
Food service	Room service	Delivered to door on request
Housekeeping	Occupied room	Only when guest is away
Atmosphere	Coworking space	Warm with plants and colours

Frequently asked questions

Do I really need to put a desk in every room? It isn’t compulsory. If space is tight, it’s better to set up a warm coworking area with coffee, something to eat and a strong wifi connection. A nice view or big windows also make a real difference.

When should housekeeping clean a room occupied by a remote worker? Only while the guest is out, so as not to disturb their work. You can ask them at breakfast what time they’d like their room cleaned. It’s a simple gesture that shows real attention to detail.

What can I offer if there’s no desk in the rooms? Set up a coworking room with coffee, food and a good wifi connection. Make sure to follow the health measures in force if several guests share the space at the same time.

What do remote-working guests expect the most? Excellent wifi comes first, along with a well-placed desk, a notepad and pens on hand. Unlimited coffee in the room and a food service delivered to the door are also among the most appreciated touches.

Should I create a special offer or page on my website? Yes, it’s recommended in order to attract more of this type of guest. List on your website all the equipment you offer for remote work. A dedicated section helps remote workers spot your hotel more easily.