Denrael

One of my favorite podcasts to listen to is Travel Commons. Mark Peacock does a tremendous job of bringing the “voice of the traveler” and his stories ring all too true.

On a recent podcast, Mark discussed the pain of attending a conference or any business meeting at Disney World. While it indeed makes for an ideal family vacation, it becomes very painful for the business traveler. Most family resort hotels are not set up to deal with the business traveler. From not being able to get a room, to finding quiet places to work, these hotels are geard toward a different clientele.

His recounting of his recent experience reminded me of a trip late last year to the Gaylord Opryland for back to back conferences. At the same time I was there, they were hosting a meeting of the International Red Hat Society. While I’m sure this is a great organization (if you are over 50, female and in search of fun), it is not what I was looking forward to walking into upon my arrival. Hosting about 5000 Red Hats, the lobby was filled upon my arrival. As this is a resort hotel, rather than say a Marriott where I have status, I waited in line for about an hour while each of the ladies was asking similar questions about resort fees, and all the incidental charges on their bill. Upon finally getting to the counter, I too was informed my room was not ready (about noon), and I’d have to come back after 3PM. Trying to find a quiet place to work was as challenging for me as it was for Mark. I finally ended up in an employee only area where they stored Wheel Chairs.

Upon finally getting a room, the fun continued as the resort is huge. The walk to the room is about 15 minutes with no traffic. When the halls and walkways are filled with vacationing people, traveling in clumps, it became a 25 minute obstacle course each time.

Before I am cast as someone who has it out for Red Hats or vacationers in general, let me say that I think the Gaylord was the perfect hotel for their convention. It catered well to them, and from what I could see, all were having a marvelous time. What is painful is when business events are scheduled in the same facilities.

Earlier I mentioned the resort fees. One of the “benefits” that Mark didn’t mention about staying at a hotel like Disney World or the Gaylord are the added resort fees to cover the ammenities that as a business traveler you have no intention of using. By the time I added resort fees, associated taxes, etc. the room rate ended up being about $40/night higher than the quoted rate.

My plea to conference and event planners everywhere. Please please plan your events around hotels that understand business travel.