Playfully Going Incognito and Belting Tunes on the Karaoke Stage Top the List of Ways Business Travelers Treat Themselves to “Me Time”

Each year, Americans make more than 405 million long-distance business trips,* and as these road warriors put in the miles, a new survey conducted by SpringHill Suites by Marriott reveals business travelers are making the most of their trips by maximizing “me time,” indulging in activities they may shy away from at home. In a city where no one knows your name, more than 60 percent of respondents admitted to going undercover, creating a new identity with a different name, profession and backstory. Nearly a quarter of people have unleashed their inner Mariah Carey at karaoke, with a surprising 16 percent faking an elaborate accent with no shame.

When asked about the ultimate travel companion, nearly 70 percent of travelers would recruit Scandal’s Olivia Pope to help handle their latest crisis or enjoy an Old Fashioned with MadMen’s consummate ad man Don Draper on a dream business trip.

Business travel is being redefined as an opportunity to escape from the monotony of the day-to-day routine. Small indulgences traditionally reserved for leisure travel are now finding their way onto the agenda for business travelers. Other key findings include:

  • 62 percent of respondents enjoy a taste of “the good life” with zero guilt, splurging on savory appetizers and decadent desserts with 30 percent indulging on wine or specialty cocktails.
  • The Savory and Sweet battle was split evenly down the middle with 51 percent craving sweet and satisfying midnight treats and nearly 49 percent wanting salty and crunchy snacks.
  • The majority of respondents wind down after a long day of meetings in the hot tub or pool followed by luxuriating in an uninterrupted bath or shower.
  • Topping the list of what travelers enjoy most about the escape business travel can bring is ignoring the ever-growing pile of laundry followed closely by no “honey do” list at nearly 30 percent and ignoring master chef cooking duties at home coming in at 25 percent.

Instead of the same old grind, business travel seems less like work and more like a chance to discover new destinations and spend time with colleagues outside of work. More than half of travelers surveyed feel refreshed and productive upon returning to work after a business trip.

With more than 300 locations across the country, SpringHill Suites treats travelers with upscale spacious suites and modern dynamic lobbies. Each suite features separate living, working and sleeping spaces to provide guests with flexibility and functionality. Vibrant, stylish lobbies offer guests space to work, mix or mingle.  The hotels also offer business services, same-day dry cleaning, guest laundry facilities, fitness centers, express checkout and pools with whirlpool spas. Many hotels offer full-service bars featuring local craft beer, wine, cocktails and a light menu while the Market offers convenient 24/7 access to food and beverages. Travelers can also treat themselves to daily complimentary breakfast with fresh, healthy options and hot breakfast items.

For more information on SpringHill Suites, visit www.springhillsuites.com.

About SpringHill Suites by Marriott
SpringHill Suites participates in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay. For more information or reservations, call the SpringHill Suites toll-free number at 888-287-9400, visit www.springhillsuites.com, become a fan at www.facebook.com/springhillsuites or follow the brand at www.twitter.com/springhillsuite.