Although many countries around the world have come out of their respective Covid-19 lockdowns, a handful of companies are still allowing or advising their employees to remain working from home. Others have even committed to long-term remote work.
While working from home has its perks, there are times when you need some peace and quiet. Or perhaps you are hankering for a change of scenery or simply feel like treating yourself. Enter work-from-hotel packages, which allow you to book a swanky private room equipped with ergonomic furniture, high-speed internet and in-room perks for a day (or more if you wish) to get your work done – at a fraction of the price you would normally pay for an overnight stay.
“Convenience and efficiency are two of the factors that have appealed to guests,” says Oliver Schnatz, the cluster general manager of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit and Mercure Bangkok Sukhumvit 11. “With so much going on, our guests crave for a comfortable working space where they can work without any distraction.”
Schnatz also believes that such packages will continue to be offered by worldwide hotels, at least in the near future. “As most companies look to continue work from home until early 2021 and some smaller enterprises move away from having a formal office, work-from-hotel packages are here to stay,” he declares. “While they are not the primary drivers of revenue, they have become a steady segment for hotels even as overnight stays and staycations seem to be picking up. This will be another chapter of evolution for the hospitality industry.”
Intrigued? Check out these premium hotels around the world that have rolled out attractive work-from-hotel packages.
1. RYSE, Seoul
Located in the bustling Hongdae district, the trendy RYSE hotel – part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection of boutique boltholes – offers a chic, creative, well-designed and contact-free space for you to get some work done. Their “Workday Deal” package starts from KRW 88,000++ (S$103) and comes with use of their Editor King Room between 8am and 8pm. Other than the standard amenities, the room comes kitted out with curated reading materials and custom bathrobes by streetwear brand IISE. If you need to refuel with a snack and a cup of joe, you can pop into the on-site Tartine bakery and coffee bar, which hails from San Francisco.
2. The Stafford London, London
This historic five-star luxury hotel in the city centre allows guests to rent its Mews Suites for remote working during the day. For a starting price of £395 (S$690), you’ll have the run of a spacious suite that’s equipped with a large working desk, widescreen TV, Nespresso machine, comfy sofa with plush cushions and, in some cases, even access to a private courtyard – perfect for when you need to step away from the screen and get some fresh air. While its location near Green Park puts you near plenty of great options to grab some grub, the package also comes with a delicious two-course lunch that’s served to you in your suite.
3. Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
One of Singapore’s most luxurious hotels is offering an appealing Workation Package that’s inclusive of a night’s stay. For upwards of S$329++, you’ll be given use of a snazzy Deluxe Room from 9am (subject to availability) until 11am the next day. If you need to hole up indoors, you can make use of the complimentary S$50 in-room dining credit provided for each night of your stay. If you feel like venturing out, the package includes complimentary entry to Sands SkyPark Observation Deck and Infinity Pool, 1-for-1 cocktails at Adrift; 15% off ArtScience Museum tickets and up to 15% off treatments at Banyan Tree Spa.
4. Intercontinental New York Barclay, New York
If you’re looking for a hotel room that you can customise into a long-term workspace of your liking, the Intercontinental New York Barclay in Manhattan has just the thing for you. Under their new The Offices at The Barclay programme, you can book a room for upwards of US$500 (S$688) per day or US$6,250 ($8,604) per month and choose between Traditional, Lounge or Comfort styles for the décor. The rate is inclusive of unlimited in-room coffee and tea, as well as use of the on-site fitness room and business centre. If you’re feeling peckish and don’t want to step out, there’s also the option to purchase meals and additional beverages.
5. QT Melbourne, Melbourne
One of Australia’s top design hotels has rolled out a work from hotel package for a rather affordable rate that starts at A$100 (S$97). You’ll be given a private room to work from between the hours of 7am to 7pm, which comes with high speed Wi-Fi, a dedicated workstation and complimentary tea and Nespresso coffee. There’s also their trademark comfy QT Dream Bed should you want to sneak in an afternoon snooze, as well as the option to order in-room dining or grab a snack from the fully stocked mini-bar (at an additional cost). Can’t bear to leave the room when your work’s done for the day? Simply pony up an additional A$75 (S$73) to stay the night.
6. Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong
The chic and modern Kerry Hotel is one of the handful of Shangri-La Group properties offering day-use packages in the city. Kerry Hotel’s offering comes with flexible hours, allowing you use of a room for any 10-hour period between 7am and 10pm on the same day. You’ll also get HKD168 (S$30) worth of dining credit, which can be used on in-room food purchases, as well as a complimentary mini bar stocked with non-alcoholic beverages and free coffee and tea. Should you want to take an exercise break between meetings, you can make use of the well-equipped fitness centre and swimming pool. For rates, please contact the hotel directly.
7. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit, Bangkok
Although life has largely gone back to normal in the Thai capital, those who want to spend the day working out of a luxurious hotel room can do so at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit. Located smack-dab in the heart of the city, the hotel is offering a day-use package that includes the use of a spacious 37m² Luxury Room – complete with ergonomic furniture, a writing desk, Bose audio system and high-speed internet access – between 9am and 5pm. Other perks include a lunch box that will be sent up to your room; access to the swimming pool and fitness centre for a mid-afternoon exercise break; and entry to the spa. Rates start at THB 3,300++ (S$143).
8. Hotel Figueroa, Los Angeles
In need of a plush and private workspace in downtown Los Angeles? Look no further than Hotel Figueroa, one of the first few hotels in the United States to roll out a work from hotel offer in the wake of the pandemic. Under their The Fig Works Perks programme, you’re given access to a suite (you can choose from the Classic Suite, Deluxe Suite and Event Suite) with a living area, executive writing desk and in-suite coffee machine. The package is also inclusive of access to the fitness studio and sunny pool deck; complimentary parking for one vehicle; and two Hotel Figueroa boxed waters. For rates, please contact the hotel directly.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites before visiting. Do also remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
For updates and travel advisories, please visit Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
SEE ALSO: 8 hotels in Singapore offering work from hotel packages
