Working remotely comes with a world of opportunity. But it can be overwhelming to take advantage of your newfound freedom while also keeping up with your workload.
Will there be reliable Internet? What about a desk? And how will you reply to all those emails without access to unlimited coffee?
Many hotels now offer workation packages that allow guests to work at the hotel before clocking out to explore a new destination. With these packages, you can count on complimentary coffee, high-speed Wi-Fi and dedicated desk space. And here’s the best part: Somebody else will make your bed.
Workation packages at Hyatt and Marriott
Two of the world’s largest hotel chains are offering workation packages at properties around the world. So pick the destination you’ve been dreaming of and find a Hyatt or Marriott in the area, then go ahead and book one of these remote worker bundles.
Hyatt
Book a "Work From Hyatt" package at over 90 Hyatt properties worldwide, including the dreamy Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya in Mexico and the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Texas. It also has month-long packages available at over 125 hotels worldwide, with discounted rates when you book for longer than 29 nights. You’ll get a private workspace complete with a desk or even a second guest suite.
Cost: From $139 nightly
Minimum stay: 5 nights
Includes:
- Food and beverage credits
- Complimentary parking
- Discounted or complimentary laundry
- Other perks vary by property but can include things like a poolside cabana, s’mores nights, rounds of golf, kids’ programs, a dedicated concierge, cooking classes and more.
If you decide to book a Hyatt workation package, opening or using a World Of Hyatt credit card could save you hundreds and help you rack up points for freebies later on.
You can also rent Hyatt rooms by the day at hundreds of properties across the US for about $65.
Marriott Bonvoy
This popular hotel chain came up with the Work Anywhere program, designed specifically for remote workers. It includes three types of passes: the Stay pass, the Play pass and the Day pass.
Stay Pass
Marriott’s Stay Pass is meant for travelers that want to work, exercise, eat, kick back and sleep at the hotel. You’ll get a functional workspace complete with natural light, so you’ll appear wide awake and relaxed while video conferencing from afar.
Cost: From about $200, though rates vary depending on the hotel you choose.
Minimum stay: N/A
Included
- Early check in and late check out — 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
- $10 food and beverage credit
- Daily bottled water
- Access to printing, faxing and scanning equipment
Play Pass
Meant for families with working parents, the Play Pass includes supervised activities for the kiddos and booking access to semi-private workspaces and meeting rooms. According to its website, Play passes are only available in Mexico, Bali and Hawaii right now.
Cost: Varies, depending on the hotel you choose — but we’re seeing $476 nightly at Koloa Landing Resort at Poipu. Search for yourself to get a quote.
Minimum stay: None
Includes
- Supervised kids activities
- Study spaces
- Curated experiences and deals for the fam
- Welcome drink
Marriott also has day passes available, in case you're staying local but need a quiet place to work.
And like Hyatt, you’ll be rewarded with points and freebies for booking with a Marriott credit card.
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Does Hilton have a workation package?
Hilton has day-use rooms available for remote workers — called WorkSpaces by Hilton — but these are more intended for remote workers that need to get out of the house since you can’t stay overnight. That said, some individual Hilton properties, like Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino, are offering their own specific workation packages.
Its day program, WorkSpaces, include an ergonomic chair, tea and coffee, bottled water, premium Wi-Fi and a spacious desk so you can spread out. Hilton Honors members will earn points and credit with every booking, plus 10,000 points the first time you try WorkSpaces by Hilton.
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5 top hotels to book a workation
Hotels around the world are designing packages to attract remote workers. Here are the workations we’re dreaming about.
MGM Resorts in Las Vegas
Stay at the glam Vdara or Aria in Las Vegas through MGM's Viva Las Office program. You'll get a room equipped with secure Wi-Fi and a desk setup. When you book a Viva Las Office package, you'll get $375 in food and beverage credits to use during your day, along with a dedicated "executive assistant" to help coordinate your schedule … like that midday massage you know you deserve.
Not into gambling or the party scene? Las Vegas has plenty to offer outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking and mountain biking galore. Bonus? You can usually book super cheap flights to Vegas with Frontier.
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Rosewood Miramar Beach in Santa Barbara
Experience the best in laid-back California living without compromising your work ethic. This package includes an office setup with a monitor, wireless mouse and keyboard, printer, a kit of office supplies and healthy snacks. Of course, coffee is also complimentary. And you’ll get $100 in resort credit nightly.
- Cost: From $300 daily per person, plus $100 for every additional adult
To book a workation at Rosewood Miramar Beach, call 805-900-8388 or email miramar@rosewoodhotels.com.
- Rosewood Hotels has accommodations worldwide, and many are offering similar workation packages. Check out the Rosewood hotels in NYC, Dallas, Santa Fe, DC and Menlo Park if Miramar Beach isn’t your cup of tea.
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St. Regis Aspen
Major splurge alert — the St. Regis Aspen’s Alpine Office Annex package sets you up in an office that’s a great escape from wherever you are right now. It includes tech enhancements like Google Nest, enhanced lighting for video conferencing, in-room hair styling by Salon Tulio, professional makeup application by Cos Bar and personalized wardrobe services by a local styling guru.
- Cost: $900 daily — part of the proceeds are donated to Lucky Day Animal Rescue
To book the Alpine Office Annex passage, you’ll need to call 970-429-9500 or email aspen.reservations@stregis.com.
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The Lodge at Blue Sky near Park City, Utah
Craving an escape from bright city lights and the sounds of 24/7 traffic? The Lodge at Blue Sky is a resort located on a 3,500-acre ranch between magnificent Lewis Peak and Elkhorn Divide, just north of Park City.
Its Work and Play with Auberge package includes daily breakfast for two adults — plus one complimentary kids’ breakfast for every adult breakfast on stays of at least seven nights. You’ll also get access to caregivers for the kiddos, a socially-distanced coworking space and a business concierge to help arrange your stay. While you zoom through the to-do list, your kids can join the daily Little Vaqueros Kids Camp, which takes them on adventures in the great outdoors.
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Grand Velas in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
The Long Stays for Two program is meant for couples that want to work and play together in paradise. It includes a dedicated office or work area, two massages and 20% off other spa services, a personalized exercise routine, a private beachside dinner, a welcome bottle of champagne and more. And since the hotel is all-included to begin with, literally all your food and drinks are covered.
Go kayaking to blow off steam after work. Little ones in tow? Send them to the kids’ club during the day.
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Traveling during COVID-19The CDC advises postponing travel to protect yourself and your family from getting or spreading COVID-19. If you plan to travel during the pandemic, monitor the risk assessment levels for your destination when planning your trip, before departure and on arrival. Follow safety measures that include wearing a mask in public, social distancing and washing your hands. If you are diagnosed with, have symptoms of or are waiting for test results for COVID-19 — or are otherwise at risk of illness — do not attend gatherings or travel for 14 days.
What if the hotel I want to stay at isn't on this list?
If you have a specific destination or hotel in mind, we suggest calling the concierge to see whether they can offer you a workation package. Many hotels are willing to offer discounts for longer stays, especially since the travel industry has taken such a hit during the pandemic.
Another way to book extended hotel stays that won't break the bank is to browse discounts and deals on regular rates.
Take a workation at a vacation rental
If these hotels are either too pricey or you simply want more private space, consider booking a vacation home for your workation. Not only can you find discounts for long-term rentals — like up to 50% off month-long rentals on Airbnb — but in most cases, you’ll have a kitchen all to yourself. You can even book condos and apartments with pool access.
Just keep in mind that if you choose to book a vacation rental instead of a hotel that's already set up to accommodate your needs, you may need pack WFH essentials so you can get the job done once you're there. We recommend bringing a keyboard and mouse and buying a portable monitor if you need two screens. If there’s no desk when you arrive, drop by Walmart for a $20 folding table that’ll suit your needs for the extent of your vacation.
Check out sites like Airbnb to find the perfect home-away-from-home, so you can accomplish projects from 9 to 5 before logging off and exploring a new place.
