Hotel Tips for Business Trips

How to find a good business-class hotel, even if you're on a budget.

In 1900, the infamous Oscar Wilde lay dying in a squalid Paris hotel. Reportedly, after surveying his grim surroundings, Wilde's last words were: "Either that wallpaper goes, or I do."

I know just how poor Oscar felt. A few months ago, I had the misfortune to stay in a hotel that advertised itself as "historic" and "charming," yet with modern amenities--including free wireless Internet access throughout the building. The reality, however, was entirely different. "Historic" could only have been a reference to the in-room coffee pot. "Charming" must have been a misspelling of the word "Charmin," because the bed sheets were as thin as toilet paper. Worst of all, I could only pick up the wireless network signal in the lobby--and only when I sat right next to the front desk, where I had to endure the bored clerk's incessant chatter.

And now, to my point: It isn't easy to find a good business-class hotel, particularly if you're on a budget. Here are some tips and resources for finding a room where you can eat, sleep, and work in comfort.

Start your research by reading comments about hotels, posted online by people who've actually stayed in them. Here are some sites that specialize in user reviews:

The Web sites of mainstream publications may also offer some guidance. For instance, Travel + Leisure publishes an annual reader survey of the best business hotels. And USA Today's Travel section features a worthwhile column, Hotel Hotsheet.

Once you've found a prospective hotel, call the front desk directly--not the toll-free reservation number. Ask to speak to the concierge or to a knowledgeable front desk clerk. Then grill them (politely), with such questions as:

What is your favorite hotel for business travel? Send me an e-mail to vote for your favorite, and tell me why you like the hotel.

Mobile Computing News, Reviews, & Tips

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Is there a particularly cool mobile computing product or service I've missed? Got a spare story idea in your back pocket? Tell me about it. However, I regret that I'm unable to respond to tech-support questions, due to the volume of e-mail I receive.