Across the UK, budget hotel growth has been phenomenal in the last decade and a half and budget chains like Premier Inn and Travelodge are now doing more business in the UK than the older, established brands like Intercontinental and Holiday Inn.

The 2008 financial crisis triggered a change in attitude from larger corporations, encouraging a more cost conscious approach to hotel accommodation expenses. Improved standards and competitive costs now mean that budget hotels are no longer used by SME business travellers.

Another factor accounting for budget hotel growth is that the priority of the modern business traveller is changing. Today's traveller typically requires a comfortable bed, decent shower and internet connection during their stay, all of which tends to be on offer at budget hotels. These hotels provide stripped down services with stylish but slightly smaller sized rooms. Costs are reduced by minimising the number of optional services such as exercise facilities and bar areas.

The arrival of new players in the hotel industry is leading to better standards and lower costs for business travellers. Room facilities are also being enhanced to meet the needs of today's tech savvy mobile worker with wifi connections and even hotel apps, allowing the user to control lighting and temperature with their smartphone.

Whilst the rise in standards and the growing level of competition may be a huge challenge for the hotel industry, it is all very welcome to companies looking to get the best value out of their business travel budget.

We, at Booking Partners, are not tied to just big brand chain hotels and can find you the perfect hotel, meeting room or conference venue to suit your requirements and, of course, budget.

Contact us on +44 (0)330 022 8643 or via e-mail at reservations@bookingpartners.co.uk.