7 ‘Work-From-Hotel’ Deals For A Productive Holiday

7 ‘Work-From-Hotel’ Deals For A Productive Holiday

Working remotely is not easy. News of a surge in pandemic cases, frenetic holiday households, and kids homeschooling (or out of school altogether for the semester) can make concentrating on work a challenge. Work, for many, does not come to a stop during the holidays, and staying focused is paramount. Luckily, hotels have stepped in to fill the void.

To replace a drought in travel demand, savvy hotels have pitched guest rooms as the ideal alternative to office space (since many office buildings remain closed or restricted). They feature top-notch cleanliness protocols (often overseen by on-staff wellness managers) and access to office-style amenities. In addition, hotels come with perks like high-tech gyms, fine dining or in-room delivery, and swimming pools to add motivation to the workday. It’s an ideal setting for some productive “peace and quiet.”

The hospitality industry is going strong with new hotels opening around the world weekly and creative holiday activities to spur incremental business. Creative “work-from-hotel” packages are another example of how hoteliers are trying to keep people employed while following the ever-changing guidelines set forth by local and national authorities. There are dozens of package options including brand initiatives like Work from Hyatt, Work Anywhere with Marriott Bonvoy, and WorkSpaces by Hilton.

Whether down the street, a road trip’s drive away, or worth hopping on a plane for some serious creative mojo, these seven “work-from-hotel” packages from around the country could be the ideal holiday gift to yourself (or your family and colleagues) to keep the work or school motivation high.

JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa

The Distanced in the Desert package is designed to combine a bit of work and play at one of Marriott’s most iconic resorts. Said to be a favorite of the Marriott family, the Camelback Inn is one of the brand’s flagship resorts. Located in the Sonoran Desert with plenty of outdoor space to relax and stay productive, the views alone offer plenty of inspiration. Whether it’s finding space for kids to Zoom with teachers on the patio or for adults to file reports in the shade of a palm tree or by a firepit, social distancing is easy in the desert.

The package includes a private casita with its own air conditioning circulation system and furnished patio plus a nightly $100 resort credit to reward yourself with dining, golf, or spa services. You can even organize an in-room, contactless happy hour with cocktail making supplies delivered to your door. Rates vary by date and can be booked online. Best of all, you can bring along your dog to feel like you’re at home.

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Bungalows

Since the desert heat provides respite for many escaping the cold, a second work-from-hotel option in Scottsdale, Arizona is worth exploring (especially if you want to chill in privacy by the pool). The Work from Andaz package, which requires a minimum of five nights, comes with standard room or accommodations with outdoor patio plus a private workspace or second connecting guest room to separate work from relaxation.

The resort’s expansive layout means social distancing is built-in to the design giving everyone space to linger by a fire pit or in a private cabana by the pool without interacting with other guests.

The WiFi signal works well outdoors meaning you can answer emails just as easily from a hammock as your desk. Included in the package is the use of a poolside cabana for the day, spa and laundry discounts, a $50 daily food and beverage credit, and free parking. Guests booking this package also get waived resort and pet fees plus the ability to earn or redeem World of Hyatt points for their stay. Rates vary by date and can be booked online.

Hotel Kansas City, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt

Once a private social club, this beautifully restored, Gothic Revival-style hotel mixes Harry Potter-esque meeting rooms with whimsical and panoramic guest rooms overlooking downtown’s Power and Light District. Free parking is the first hurdle out of the way for visitors looking to book a day room for some productive peace and quiet. Of course, there’s nothing stopping you from perusing the meeting spaces for a little inspiration.

Rooms on the eighth floor are reserved for day-use guests and include bottled water, coffee, and a 20 percent discount in the lobby’s cafe including fresh pastries from Helen Jo Leach (hailing from stints at New York’s Eleven Madison Park and Milk Bar). Guests can also use the hotel’s fitness center during their visit and order up a bottle of the bespoke J. Rieger & Co. whiskey found only at the hotel.

There’s also a happy hour in the lobby with $5 local drafts and 25 percent off glasses of wine. If the mood strikes, it’s only $30 more to stay the night. Monday-Thursday day rates start at $99 (call the hotel to book) and count toward World of Hyatt points earning and status.

Grande Lakes Orlando, JW Marriott and Ritz-Carlton

This family-friendly resort combines options for work and play that will appeal to all ages. It’s hard for kids to stay motivated with at-home schooling, and a little incentive to study could be just the motivation they need. With the Family Escape package, guests can book a king room and get 50 percent off a connecting room with two queen beds.

Parents will appreciate the services of a “business butler,” who can set up an outdoor remote office space by the pool or in a shaded cabana. The butler can handle WiFi needs plus assistance with printing or faxing documents plus help young students set up their laptops or tablets to connect with school from the resort. Rates vary by date and can be booked online using rate code MAJ.

Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, Key West, Florida

Home schoolers and hard-at-work parents will appreciate the bundle of perks that come with the resort’s offer. Casa Marina’s Home School package, which requires a four-night minimum stay, comes with plenty of in-room space for parents and kids to be productive. In addition, kids can participate in a variety of educational activities including a tour of the Ernest Hemingway Home, the nearby Shipwreck Museum, and the Butterfly Conservatory to share with classmates.

At the end of the day, parents are rewarded with a bottle of wine while students have a daily $100 food and beverage credit to spend on the kids’ menu. When work and school for the day is finished, the resort’s pool and beach amenities await as a reward.

INNSIDE by Meliá New York NoMad

With a starting rate at $89 per day, New Yorkers can escape the confines of their apartment or home for some peace and quiet in a hotel room. The Day Stay package provides access to a guest room between 8am and 8pm plus all the facilities of the hotel including the fitness center with modern equipment and a virtual guided cycling experience plus two outdoor patio areas. In addition to free WiFi, guest rooms have personal protection kits with masks and hand sanitizer, coffee, tea, and bottled water. The day-use rate can be booked online helping people to separate the comforts of home from the stress of work .

citizenM Hotels, Boston, New York, Seattle, and Washington, DC

Sometimes you just need some alone time. Whether you book a day rate to collect your thoughts, hammer out a proposal, stage that perfect Zoom event or simply relax, citizenM offers one of the most affordable options. The $50 day rate covers ten hours between 8am and 6pm and includes free in-room movies, unlimited filtered water, wireless Internet, and the room’s cozy bed and lounge spaces.

Day rate guests can also use the other hotel facilities including lounge space and gyms. citizenM hotels are located in Boston, New York, Seattle, and Washington, DC. Interested guests can book these solo-person rooms online.