I love traveling by train. There’s just something about it. It’s a hell of a lot more productive than driving (duh), as I can bang out personal and professional work during the commute. It’s way more convenient than air travel, as there is less downtime while on the train (between not having to turn off electronics with take-off and landing), not having to wait endlessly in the terminal or during connections, not having to walk for miles within the airport itself, blah blah blah. And, let’s not mention the biggest attraction: the bar food car. Or, better yet, what about the fact that on a train, they don’t make you dump your flasks liquids out before boarding.

Having said that, I’m in favor of Biden’s recent announcement that the Obama administration will dedicate another $8 billion toward high-speed rail in the proposed U.S. federal budget. It doesn’t sit well with some, as opinions are flying concerning the budget being spread to thinly across the U.S., instead of focusing on the highly congested northeast corridor.  I can see their point — I’m from New York, and the first decade of my professional career was spent on mass transportation throughout this corridor. And, it IS congested alright.

Some of these high-speed rails will run at average speeds between 125 and 250 miles per hour.  I wouldn’t mind being on a comfy train car, banging away at my laptop, going that fast. I just hope they will use some of those billions of dollars making the Amtrak stations not seem (or smell) so ghetto. I mean, are they trying to attract business people and families, or have them hold on for dear life to their computer bags (or small children) while waiting to board the fast track?

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Did you spend a lot of time stuck in airports over the holiday season?  Of course you were not alone, but check out this story for some really funny images and observations about how some stranded travelers behave and why!

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It’s official—business travel is making a big, solid comeback.

Reports out this week confirm that U.S. companies are forecast to spend 5 percent more on travel in 2011 than they did in 2010 — a sure sign that the economy is rebounding, and giving an additional lift to airlines, hotels and rental car companies. That’s twice the growth rate posted in 2010.

Last year’s increase in business travel had already helped boost the economy— companies spent an estimated $228 billion. The growth seen in 2010 also helped U.S. airlines post their first profit as an industry in three years. Profits are also adding up at hotel chains like Marriott and Hyatt, and at rental-car companies like Avis and Hertz.

An even more relevant signal is the return of corporate retreats. But now they’re back in a more modest form, in keeping with the level of growth experienced in the current economy.

Next big comeback–corporate housing!!

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We’ve talked a lot here on the Corporate  Housing Network blog about lessons we can take from our corporate housing and lodging competitors to make our offerings more affordable, comfortable and ultimately, successful.

While some of the accommodations we aspire to offer our guests are not always within our set budgets, we can still take in the plethora of ideas out there that are being offered by what many of us would agree are luxurious, enviable properties and find ways to make them our own if perhaps on a much smaller scale.

Because I am always in search of story ideas online to share with you–tips, trends and news that impacts all of in the world of corporate housing and business travel–when I come across an article that not only shares great ideas, but also provides inspirational images too, I can’t help but share the link with all of you.

Take a look at this link to a photo feature of the world’s top business hotels.  I think you’ll find it a fun, creative way to start the week.  Much better than waiting for the next snow storm to blow through!

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It’s a new year and that always means change.  So far in 2011 it appears that the economic recovery is continuing, and for corporate travel buyers that means tougher negotiations with hotels for breaks in rates.

What this means for corporate housing owners and managers is this–we often have the ability to be flexible and offer varying rates and perks to our customers, rates and perks not always available as a negotiating chip for large hotel chains.

Right now the average increase in rates being offered by hotels is between 10 and 15 percent, a pretty healthy increase for corporate travel buyers still struggling with wary bosses who are closely watching the bottom line.  On average, hotels in New York City are asking for an increase of about 20 percent.  A very big change.

Many corporate buyers are reporting that negotiations this year are frequently requiring three or four rounds before a deal amenable to both parties can be struck. 

So now’s the time for all of us to rethink our own pricing strategy for 2011, and alter our marketing message a bit in response to what the hotels are offering the customers we are all competing for.  Good luck!!

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For the third year in a row, Continental Airlines tops the Business Travel News’ Annual Airline Survey (BTN).  The survey asked corporate travel buyers to rank various carriers based on service delivery and performance.

Ironically United Airlines, which recently merged with Continental, wound up at the bottom of the list.  United’s customer service is once more the focus of criticism.  Now that the merger has gone through, corporate travel buyers are hoping that Continental’s business model will have a positive impact on United.

American Airlines was ranked second, and is tied with Continental for taking the top spot in the BTN survey.  American’s focus is primarily on customer service, a key theme for successful air carriers across the board. 

What’s your favorite airline?  Send us a comment and tell us which carrier provides you with the most pleasant flight experience.  We’ll post your thoughts right here, on The Corporate Housing Network.

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According to researchers with  American Express Business Travel, corporate travel costs could possibly rise by double digits in 2011.

Now that the economy has begun to strengthen, worries about corporate bottom lines are also receding.  Hotel rates and airfares are the key items that are expected to jump in the coming year.  The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) concurs, indicating that with the improved economy, that pricing power will swing back to the hotels and airlines. 

So what’s the lesson for corporate housing owners and professionals?  Be prudent and cautious when raising rates.  Yes, we could and all should find a way to capitalize on the economic upswing.  But one of the lessons of the past couple of years has got to be learning to exercise a cautious, yet optimistic approach.

Let’s be a little more creative, prudent and before we decide it’s time to follow the pack and hike prices for our accommodations, take a look at what we need and want to achieve and adjust our rates accordingly.

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Talk about creative and cool! This story should serve as a great inspiration for corporate housing owners and hoteliers everywhere.

If you’ve stayed as many places as I have while traveling on business, the same cookie cutter hotels and corporate housing units get pretty dull and uninspiring after a while. I don’t know, I guess I would probably never even consider staying in an igloo for any reason beyond pure desperation, but these little guys look pretty cool. 

So if you’re looking for a little inspiration for your corporate housing properties in the coming year, you’ll want to spend a few moments looking right here.  If not for anything but pure fun or wishing on a holiday star.  You may just find some interesting ideas here to transform how you view your accommodations and your clients in the year to come!

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If you’re flying on these three airlines this holiday season–AirTran, Delta and Virgin America — you’ll be receiving an unexpected little gift.  You’ll be able to access Wi-Fi absolutely free.

Google Chrome says it will partner with the three carriers to offer free “Gogo Wi-Fi” on domestic flights through Jan. 2, 2011.

That means you’ll be able to conduct research, write and send information ahead while you fly, no down-time, no spotty service.  That’s just one less hassle—and a big one at that—to deal with over the holidays. Talk about lowering stress levels.

According to David Cush, president and CEO of Virgin America, in-flight Wi-Fi is a key factor with travelers who book tickets with his airline. “We saw a jump in the number of guests logging on after last year’s free Wi-Fi gift,” Cush said in a statement, adding he expects another increase this year. “Once people try Wi-Fi at 35,000 feet they rarely go back.”

I concur.

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A new survey from Deloitte says business travelers are gladly anticipating an increase in corporate travel next year, which should translate into a welcome boost in customer demand for hospitality and travel.

In fact, by the end of 2011, 80% of the business travelers surveyed predicted that they will take more or at the minimum the same number of business trips as they did in 2010, with almost the same number of respondents (79%) saying that they will also spend more or the same.

When queried about how they think their 2010 travel levels would net out, the majority of the survey respondents (71%) said they would also take more or the same number of business trips. Only 29% of business travelers expected less travel in 2010.

I have to agree.  I am sensing renewed optimism out there among my colleagues and friends.  The current economy is certainly not perfect, but it is improving in some important ways and the changes in perceptions regarding business travel and corporate housing are proving this theory out.So nice to be at the end of the year for a change and seeing light beaming in from the new year.  Goodbye, abyss!

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