With remote working set to continue indefinitely, there is increasing global demand for safe, accessible workspaces that offer on-demand flexibility. But those lobby-turned-co-working spaces don’t cut it during a time when people are urged to stay six feet apart, so brands are looking upstairs instead.
As such, Accor has launched its new Hotel Office concept, enabling people to use rooms for work at 250 hotels in the UK and 70 across Northern Europe, with further expansion expected over the coming weeks.
Spaces can be booked for a single day or as part of a five-day package, with rates typically discounted on the average overnight price for the hotels in which they are located. Reservation hours are from 9am – 6pm, and bookings can be cancelled free of charge up to 2pm on the scheduled day of arrival.
Those opting for a hotel office package will have access to onsite bars, restaurants and wellbeing rooms as well as in-room amenities (subject to availability in participating properties). Accor AllSafe, a global cleanliness and prevention protocol developed in partnership with Bureau Veritas, also gives customers piece of mind that the hotel has been subject to an independent audit of its hygiene measures.
“With millions of people adapting to new ways of working we have been inspired to support this trend by offering a unique office experience, blending the need for quiet dedicated working spaces with all the convenience and amenities of a hotel,” says James Wheatcroft, VP Marketing Accor Northern Europe.
“The Hotel Office concept is the home office only better, it ensures people can optimise their remote working experience, offering a professional workspace with room to relax in privacy.”
Aiming to provide similarly flexible working solutions, Mandarin Oriental’s Working from M.O. initiative allows businesspeople to reserve guestrooms between 8am – 6pm daily, with rates up to 50% less than the norm and access to complimentary high-speed WiFi, dining credits, printing facilities and fitness centres.
The scheme has been rolled out at nearly all of the brand’s city hotels worldwide, including properties in New York, Boston, Miami, Paris, Geneva, Munich, Barcelona, Milan, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore.
Standouts include the Harbour View Suite at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, the Executive Park View Room at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, and the Premier Central Park Room at Mandarin Oriental New York.
Meanwhile in Brooklyn, Wythe Hotel has joined forces with workplace designer Industrious to convert a selection of loft-style guestrooms into private office suites for up to four employees.
Spanning the building’s second floor, the suites can be booked by the day and are designed to support maximum productivity while delivering personalised hospitality in a safe and clean environment.
Each is equipped with complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, private outdoor space, unlimited digital access to The New York Times, printing services, a smart TV, free coffee and pastry services, and custom furniture, while contactless check-in allows for seamlessly safe entry upon arrival.
“The companies that best navigate the future of work are going to be the ones that put choices in their employees’ hands, including the choice of where and how they do their job best. So we’re thrilled to partner with Wythe Hotel to offer more flexible office space that helps meet that demand, and meet it right now,” says Jamie Hodari, co-founder and CEO of Industrious.
“It’s an incredible location and we have no doubt that locals and travellers alike will love spending their workday in these gorgeous spaces. At Industrious, we think this is just one example of the types of innovation you’ll begin to see in our industry and beyond.”
