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MCLEAN, Va. – “Places to go, people to see” is more likely to be heard around the office this year, compared to 2009, according to the results of Embassy Suites Hotels’ second annual nationwide Business Travel Survey*. The survey offers an insightful look into the state of business travel in light of the economy, revealing hotel and travel preferences and behaviors among business travelers. It also touches on the recent trends in technology, such as how travelers are incorporating social networking into their business trip routines.

On the road again...

Compared to 2009, the number of working Americans who said they were traveling less for business this year because of the economy decreased from 51% to 43%. However, travelers have also gotten smarter about value, and found ways to cut back on expenses while on the road over the last year. Seven in ten (71%) respondents changed their business travel habits compared to 2009, with more business travelers flying coach, cutting back on meals and sharing rooms with colleagues due to the economic climate.

But traveling wiser...

Given this smarter travel mindset, it’s not surprising that key considerations like hotel location and price are the most important factors to a majority (56%) of business travelers. Proximity to business meetings is the most important consideration for business travelers when choosing a hotel (29%) with price of accommodations coming in as a close second (27%). Free breakfast is the most important factor for more than twice as many business travelers as complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport (7% vs. 3%).

“We’re seeing business travelers care more about necessities, like location and value, this year,” said John Lee, vice president of Brand Marketing & Communications, Embassy Suites Hotels. “Embassy Suites appreciates the smart business traveler and continues to shape our offering to meet their needs, by offering over 200 centrally located hotels, as well as the amenities that business travelers need and want, like our complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast and our evening Manager’s Reception** included in each stay.”

The survey also revealed differences in business travel preferences between males and females. Male business travelers put greater importance on traveling luxuriously than female travelers, showing a stronger preference for flying first class (29% vs. 16%) and staying in five-star hotels (33% vs. 26%).

Younger travelers leverage digital resources...

Young business travelers (ages 21-34 years old) have a distinct approach and opinion about business travel compared to their more senior counterparts, which can be seen from the beginning of their business trip experience, even before they pack their bags. Young business travelers are almost twice as likely to visit Facebook before making business travel decisions (48% vs. 26%). Thirty-five percent of young business travelers who used a social network reported receiving help finding a hotel that fits their needs. Young professionals are much more likely to bring a variety of tech items when on business trips, including MP3 players (54% vs. 33% of all business travelers), smart-phones (50% vs. 32%), portable DVD players (19% vs. 10%) and portable gaming devices (14% vs. 6%). These young techies have excellent online resources at their fingertips to help them become fluent in the language of business travel. Web sites such as Embassy Suites’ BusinessBalance.com – a web site loaded with tips, tools and resources from savvy blogger experts – are designed to help business travelers find balance on the road.

About Embassy Suites Hotels

Founded in 1984, Embassy Suites Hotels defines the upscale, all-suites segment and today has 206 hotels, with an additional 42 in the pipeline. With spacious two-room suites, engaging team members and an inviting atrium environment, guests are welcome to put their feet up and feel right at home. Embassy Suites’ complimentary, cooked-to-order breakfast helps guests gear up for their day, while the nightly Manager’s Reception with free appetizers and beverages offers guests a great way to wind down. To learn more, visit .

About Hilton Worldwide

Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 91 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,600 hotels and 592,000 rooms in 81 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton, Doubletree, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®.

For more information about the company, please visit

*Embassy Suites Business Travel Survey Methodology

Braun Research administered an online survey to 700 working Americans, ages 21 and older, who took at least one trip related to business in the last year. Included in the sample was an oversample of 300 “young” business travelers, ages 21-34 years-old. Interviews were conducted between April 1 and April 12, 2010. Results are reported at the 95 percent confidence level with a margin of error of 4.4 percent.

**The service of alcoholic beverages is subject to state and local laws.

Maggie Giddens
703-883-5346
Hilton