New York City and Washington, DC are cluttered with hotels catering to business travelers. But let’s be honest: All too often, "business friendly" ends up being a euphemism for "sterile and bland."
Just because you want an ample work desk and well-appointed business center, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style. These stylish properties set themselves apart from the biz traveler pack—with everything from in-room touches like curated art and yoga mats to cool frills like weekday wine receptions and car service—while still providing everything you need to get the job done.
Spring for one of them next time you’re on the company dime, and your trip might just feel like a vacation.
New York City
Andaz Wall Street
Smack dab in the middle of the Wall Street action, this Andaz hotel is a business-oriented property with a hip soul. Work perks include oversized in-room desks, the Andaz Lounge communal workspace, and free Wi-Fi, while atmospheric touches include complimentary minibars (non-alcoholic beverages and snacks), contemporary décor with adjustable mood lighting in the rooms, and Andaz "hosts" who provide high-tech, deskless check-in. Amenities like the 24-hour fitness room, spa, and onsite biergarten take care of your post-work wind-down. (Plus, it's a Hyatt Hotels member for those racking up points.)
Chambers
If you've got business in Midtown or just want a good centrally located Manhattan hotel, Chambers is a great option for a stylish city retreat. The theme here is art, with a collection of over 500 original pieces on display around the property, site-specific installations on each floor, and guest rooms designed like artists’ lofts (complete with concrete walls, complimentary colored pencils, and graphic designer-style desks). Additional perks include complimentary iPads and laptops for guests to use and in-hotel restaurant and bar Má Pêche (from David Chang of momofuku).
Le Parker Meridien
This trendy property hits all the right hipster notes (Damien Hirst art installations in the lobby, classic cartoons playing in the elevators, and a faux-dive burger joint oh-so-ironically named Burger Joint) while still remaining serious about business. You'll have an in-room desk so large even your boss would envy it—paired with a comfy Aeron chair—plus an unbeatable breakfast spot: Norma's (foie gras brioche French toast, anyone?). Burn off any work-related stress at one of the better hotel gyms in the city.
The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park
If you're looking for a sumptuous hideaway after a day of crunching numbers and pushing papers, you won't have to go very far from the downtown action at this luxurious, business-smart Ritz. Yes, the superb business center and meeting spaces facilitate work productivity, but pampering treats like a divine spa and nifty telescopes in rooms facing the harbor and the Statue of Liberty keep things focused on pleasure and play. Though you may never want to check out, the boarding pass printing station comes in handy when it's time to leave.
Washington, DC
Hotel George
This stylish Deco boutique on Capitol Hill will keep you on top of your business game with in-room granite executive work desks and a well-appointed business center. As part of the Kimpton Hotels group, it’s also got a slew of cool perks to keep you on your toes, including yoga mats in every room, bikes for guest use, and a complimentary weekday wine reception. You can even get some networking done while supping on French fare at onsite Bistro Bis, a favorite of politicos and power brokers.
W Washington, DC
Got your sights set on the White House? This trendy, mod property is a good stepping stone, with its WIRED Business Center, boasting a range of "Oval Office-caliber" secretarial and technical services, and stellar views of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue from some rooms and from the hot P.O.V. Rooftop Lounge and Terrace. The W's signature “Whatever/Whenever” service is great for business travelers who are burning the midnight oil or coming from another time zone (and Starwood members can rack up points). You can also get pampered at the fun Bliss Spa and feast on steak at J&G Steakhouse (by Jean-Georges Vongerichten).
Park Hyatt Washington
Business is anything but usual at this sleek Park Hyatt, where you'll find biz-friendly amenities like oversized work desks, your daily morning paper of choice, and complimentary house car service (in a BMW 7-series sedan, no less) for drop-off at the office. When you're not on the clock, you can retreat to your spa-inspired marble bathroom, admire the collection of in-room Americana (art and books), and soak up the “invisible design” aesthetic by Tony Chi. Come dinnertime, schmooze with the celeb and political insider crowd at Blue Duck Tavern, featuring tasty New American cuisine.
The Willard InterContinental
This historic hotel has welcomed many an important business traveler (including the likes of Abe Lincoln and P.T. Barnum) since it opened back in the 1850s. Today, Washington’s political elite still talks shop in its grand public spaces, but modern updates mean its business facilities are state of the art. You can either exploit the expansive onsite business center or book an executive office suite at Carr Workplaces right next door. When you're not hobnobbing in the Round Robin & Scotch Bar, you can relax in the amazing spa, hit the 24-hour gym, or use the Capitol Hill location as a launching pad for a little sightseeing.
For more information on these stylish accommodations and much, much more, check out our online guides to New York City and Washington, DC, or our Passports to Business-Friendly Hotels with Style, NYC and DC.