If you travel for work, you know business travel comes with a lot of decisions—what to pack, how to stay productive, and most importantly, where to stay.
Choosing the right accommodation for business trips means choosing a space that supports your schedule, your work, and your wellbeing. And with so many options out there, from hotels to Airbnbs to furnished apartments, it can be tough to figure out what makes the most sense for your trip.
That’s why we created this guide.
At Compass Furnished Apartments, we’ve helped thousands of professionals find comfortable, flexible places to stay across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York.
Whether you’re traveling for a week or a few months, this guide will help you evaluate your options and find the accommodation that sets you up for success.
Why the Right Accommodation Matters
Where you stay affects everything. Your sleep quality. Your productivity. Even your mood. That’s why choosing the right accommodation for business trips can make or break your experience.
The best business travel accommodations offer:
- Reliable Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces
- Comfortable, quiet sleeping areas
- Convenient locations near offices, hospitals, or transit
- Flexibility in booking, check-in, and check-out
- Privacy to work or unwind on your own terms
Different travelers need different things. A short overnight conference might call for a hotel near the venue. But a month-long project across the country might require a fully furnished apartment with a kitchen, laundry, and work zone. Let’s break it down.
Types of Accommodation for Business Travel
Each accommodation type has pros and cons depending on the length of your trip, your work needs, and your preferences. Here’s how they compare.
Hotels
Hotels are a common choice for short-term business travel. They’re widely available and often located in downtown or airport areas. You get daily housekeeping, on-site dining, and front desk support.
Pros:
- Easy booking
- Loyalty programs and rewards
- Amenities like gyms and room service
Cons:
- Limited space and privacy
- No kitchen or laundry (in most cases)
- Costs add up quickly for longer stays
Shared Accommodations (Airbnb-Style)
Platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo offer homes and apartments for rent. You might get more space, but quality and consistency can vary. Some places aren’t designed for working professionals.
Pros:
- Unique spaces and locations
- Full kitchens and laundry in many listings
- May feel more “like home”
Cons:
- No guarantees on cleanliness or safety
- Limited or no support if something breaks
- No standards for work-readiness or amenities
Furnished Apartments (Corporate Housing)
Furnished apartments, like the ones offered by Compass, are built specifically for business travelers, extended stays, and relocations.
They combine the best parts of home and hotel, with all the essentials you need for daily life.
Pros:
- Full kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi, and furniture included
- Professionally cleaned and maintained
- Flexible lease terms
- Quiet, comfortable, and set up for remote work
Cons:
- Usually best for stays longer than a few nights
- Less spontaneous booking (but more personalized support)
Compass Furnished Apartments offers a wide range of fully equipped spaces across MA, CT, and NY, perfect for business professionals who need more than just a bed for the night. View our properties.
The Top Factors in Choosing Business Travel Accommodation
To help you narrow your choices, here are the top 10 things to be sure you look for when you’re deciding on where to stay for your next business trip:
1. Location
Proximity to your office, client site, hospital, or conference venue saves you loads of time and reduces stress. Look for accommodations near transit, walkable areas, or business districts.
2. Length of Stay
Short-term travelers might prioritize hotel-style convenience. But for anything longer than a week, a furnished apartment can offer you better value, privacy, and comfort.
3. Wi-Fi and Workspace
Don’t rely on the lobby. Make sure your accommodation includes strong internet and a proper desk or work area.
4. Laundry Access
Having a washer and dryer in your apartment (or building) means one less thing to worry about, especially for longer assignments.
5. Kitchen Facilities
Cooking your own meals saves money and helps you maintain your routine, so a full kitchen is so great to have for extended stays.
6. Cleanliness and Safety
We’re not just talking about daily housekeeping. You should look for places that follow consistent cleaning standards and offer secure entry or 24/7 guest support.
7. Flexibility
Business plans change. Can you extend your stay? Change your check-in date? Look for flexible booking and cancellation policies.
8. Noise and Privacy
A quiet space is so key if you’re working from “home” during your stay. Avoid accommodations with thin walls or shared spaces.
9. Amenities
Look for extras like a gym, parking, outdoor space, or pet-friendly features, especially if they help you stay on track during your trip.
10. Cost and Value
A low nightly rate might look appealing, but costs can stack up. Factor in extra fees for parking, laundry, Wi-Fi, or meals (furnished apartments often bundle everything into one flat monthly rate).
Why Furnished Apartments Are a Smart Choice for Business Travelers
When you’re away for more than a few days, you need more than a place to crash. You need a place to live. That’s what makes furnished apartments such a great fit.
At Compass, we offer:
- Move-in ready spaces with all the comforts of home
- High-speed Wi-Fi and dedicated work areas
- Full kitchens, in-unit laundry, and cozy living rooms
- Locations near business hubs in Boston, Stamford, New Haven, and more
- 24/7 guest support and flexible lease options
Explore what’s included in a Compass apartment.
Real-Life Scenarios
The Consultant on a 6-Week Project
A Boston-based consultant needed housing for a client project in New Haven. A hotel would have been cramped and expensive, so instead, they booked a Compass apartment with a workspace, kitchen, and quick commute. It felt like home from day one.
The Healthcare Professional on Assignment
A travel nurse working in Stamford needed somewhere to stay close to the hospital. She chose a Compass pet-friendly unit with parking and in-unit laundry, which helped her maintain her routine while bringing her dog along for the stay.
The Remote Executive
An executive visiting multiple offices in the region needed a quiet base with fast Wi-Fi and access to the city. A Compass apartment near the Seaport gave him everything he needed to stay connected and comfortable during his time in the city.
How Compass Makes Business Travel Easier
We specialize in high-quality furnished apartments for business travelers in the Northeast. Here’s how we help:
- Personalized Placement: We help match you with the best location, unit size, and amenities.
- All-Inclusive Pricing: One flat rate covers it all—no hidden fees.
- Guest Support: Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions or handle any issues.
- Flexible Terms: Stay for a week, a month, or longer. Extend if needed.
- Local Expertise: We know MA, CT, and NY inside and out.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Before committing to any accommodation, ask yourself:
- Does this space support how I work and live?
- Is the location convenient for my meetings or workplace?
- What is included in the price?
- How flexible is the lease or booking policy?
- What support is available if something goes wrong?
Book Your Next Business Trip with Confidence
Choosing the right accommodation for your business trips doesn’t have to be complicated.
With the right partner, you can find a place that meets your needs, fits your schedule, and makes life on the road easier.
Compass Furnished Apartments offers flexible, fully furnished accommodations designed for professionals who need more than just a room.
Whether you’re relocating, traveling for work, or managing a long-term assignment, we’re here to help.
Explore Compass apartments and book your stay today
FAQs: Accommodation for Business Trips
What’s the best accommodation for business trips?
It depends on your needs. For longer stays, furnished apartments offer more space, privacy, and flexibility than hotels.
How do I choose the right accommodation for business travel?
Think about your work needs, length of stay, and routine. Prioritize Wi-Fi, location, comfort, and flexibility.
Are furnished apartments more expensive than hotels?
Not always. For longer stays, they can actually save you money by bundling rent, utilities, laundry, and kitchen access into one flat rate.
Can I work remotely from a Compass apartment?
Yes! All Compass units include high-speed internet and a comfortable workspace.
Do Compass apartments offer flexible lease terms?
Absolutely. You can stay short-term or extend as needed, with minimal hassle.
About The Author
Lauren
Lauren, a passionate marketing professional from Vancouver, Canada, has an insatiable love for travel. Whether it’s camping off the grid in a secluded forest or enjoying the bustling streets of Manhattan, New York, she embraces every adventure with enthusiasm.