I just returned from yet another 10 days in Chicago. I had left my van there for the last couple of business trips and flew to Chicago and then drove back to Florida. I have been a very faithful customer of the Red roof Inn. I have never had a surprise as far as a room that was not clean or less than excellent service by the hotel staff. This hotel is upgrading all the rooms. They are replacing carpeting with hardwood floors, new washroom fixtures and flat screen TV's which are things that make the rooms more attractive and comfortable which is a good thing and the rates will likely go up but it will still be a great value for the money.
Some business travelers demand a certain level or comfort or even luxury. A business traveler needs food and shelter and to some extent to be comfortable. I would even accept that the more comfortable accommodations help the business traveler be more productive.
When I travel, however, I try to consider whether spending more money on accommodations does directly make a trip more profitable. When I am more rested I can do better work. That is a bit intangible, however, so things like a breakfast can be valued at whatever the breakfast costs wherever one would eat breakfast out. A shuttle service could be valued at whatever transportation would cost if you were paying for it in whatever way one usually travels.
For most of us lodging is a pretty big piece of the budget, so making good decisions about this can make a big difference in what stays in the bank after expenses. My last trip returned a very good profit, but if the work will support it I am always considering an upgrade.
