The Goldman team reveal their corporate travel highlights of 2018…from where to find the best tipple in Hong Kong to favourite new hotel openings, seamless check-ins and more…
David Goldman
- Most visited city for business travel in 2018…
Las Vegas
- Best kept secret I discovered while I was there…
The former home of Michael Jackson and Liberace. Located less than half an hour outside the city, it has a Thriller Villa and a Thriller Chapel and is an amazing find for corporate getaways or a leisure stay pre or post your next business trip.
- Favourite meeting destination…
I love The Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula – between its vineyard location, bold interior design, luxe facilities, gourmet food and wine, golf courses galore nearby, and a dedicated conference and events department – it’s unlike anywhere else right now.
- Favourite place to eat when travelling for business…
Straits Kitchen at the Grand Hyatt in Singapore wins hands down for the way its live theatre kitchens showcase Singapore’s diverse local cuisine – including Chinese, Indian and Malay dishes. Delicious.
- Best spot for a tipple whilst travelling…
Café Gray Bar in Hong Kong. The views over Hong Kong and Kowloon from this bar on the 49th floor of this intimate hotel, The Upper House, are incredible. The massive stone bar is impressive too.
- Best piece of advice as a frequent business traveller…
Invest in quality luggage – it makes the world of difference. My current obsession is AWAYTRAVEL.COM.
- Top tip to combat jet lag…
If I land during daylight hours, a quick stroll in the sun to get some vitamin D and a half hour’s exercise usually does the trick. If I land at night, there’s not much a comfy hotel bed can’t fix – just be sure to set the alarm for local time in the morning, or a little early to squeeze in that exercise we were just discussing…
- Favourite hotel opening this year…
The Andaz in Singapore. It’s Southeast Asia’s first and in a lively location between Kampong Glam, Little India and the arts district – a non-CBD location (but still close) which makes each stay more interesting than many traditional business hotels.
- What a seamless hotel check in means to me…
It’s a pretty simple formula. If you’ve been there before, recognition and any note of your previous preferences goes a long way. Other than that, it should be fast, friendly and my bags should reach my room pronto.
- The best thing that happened in corporate travel in 2018 was…
The release of more mobile apps to simplify and streamline corporate travel as well as Artificial Intelligence taking leaps and bounds in our sector, and Facebook Messenger bots for hotels – super handy and set to become big in the future.
Chris Cheyne
- Most visited city for business travel in 2018…
Melbourne. It’s a great city to visit, no matter how often, as there’s always something new to try with each stay.
- Best secret city I discovered this year…
Tromso in Norway. It’s a sleepy town with picture-perfect scenery, lively nightlife and an ideal location to see the Northern Lights – if you’re lucky.
- Favourite meeting destination…
Bangkok. Where to start? There’s plenty of excellent, affordable accommodation and countless dining, shopping and entertainment options. What’s not to love?
- Favourite place to eat when travelling for business…
Anywhere I don’t feel too awkward asking for a table for one! My go to is Japanese Teishoku – everything comes at once and it’s quick, light, healthy and tasty.
- Best spot for a tipple whilst travelling…
I keep it simple, either the airline lounge at the end of a busy day on the go, or the hotel bar. Both are usually full of other travellers, so you don’t feel so conspicuous being there alone.
- Best piece of advice as a frequent business traveller…
Take a charger (or several) for everything (and an adapter to match if your accommodation doesn’t supply them). Tech issues are so frustrating yet mostly avoidable. It’s also important to stay in touch with loved ones.
- Top tip to combat jet lag…
Watch the timing of your flights. Sometimes it’s worth taking a flight that’s a little less convenient but better for your body clock. Go to bed with the curtains open to let the light in in the morning when you wake up, it’ll help reset your circadian rhythm and perhaps above all – no sleeping – unless it’s night time!
- Favourite hotel opening this year…
W Brisbane – it’s great to see the brand back in Australia and the W is always a terrific option when you’re looking for something that’s more than a ‘cookie-cutter’ corporate hotel.
- What a seamless hotel check in means to me…
Small things such as recognition of my frequent guest program status, having details on file to streamline the ID check, having plenty of lifts – it really is the little things. I recently stayed in a hotel where the check in was quick and easy, but it took 15 minutes to get to up to my room – at the end of a long day of business, it’s the last thing you need.
- The best thing that happened in corporate travel in 2018 was…
More airline networks providing one-stop connectivity to much of the world, direct from Australia. Middle Eastern and Chinese carriers are leading the charge and offering multiple departure time options, as well as quick and seamless transfers during stopovers or in transit.
