QUICK GUIDE To Business Travel

Entrepreneur, April, 2001 by Christopher Elliott, Christopher Mcginnis

Researchers at Michigan State University in East Lansing have found that in cities like Buenos Aires, a four-night stay could set you back $272 in hotel taxes alone. The numbers also indicate that state, local and national governments around the world rely more than ever on travelers for tax revenues.

According to the Travel Industry Association of America, travelers are affected by high taxes in this country, too. The average international arrival or departure fee in the United States is $12, which doesn't include a $6.50 Customs Service user fee, a $6 Immigration and Naturalization Service user fee and a $1.45 Agriculture Department fee. Most hotel taxes--also called bed taxes--are in the 12 percent range. Those charges aren't always quoted when you're shopping for rates, either.

It'd be one thing if the money collected from travelers went to road improvements, police or new terminals. However, many of the newest taxes will pay for improvements that will never affect the average traveler. New levies are funding athletic stadiums in Boston, Houston and San Antonio. Avoiding the charges is close to impossible, particularly if you're traveling on business. Always ask whether there are any additional taxes when you request a quote on a room, car or airline ticket--at least then you won't be surprised.

BEST HOTEL VALUE:

Baymont Inn & Suites

While the Baymont Inn & Suites sign on the side of the road may look just like one of the many new hotel chains that have popped up in the past few years, veteran road warriors should know that this is simply a new name for a previous Business Travel Award winner, Budgetel Inns.

So what's changed besides the name? First of all, Baymont has repositioned its hotels into the midmarket category, meaning average rates currently run in the $55-to-$60 range. At the same time, the chain has increased its value for travelers by enhancing its amenities. For example, Budgetel was once famous for the free continental breakfast it hung in bags on all its guests' doorknobs each morning. Now, guests can enjoy hot waffles or French toast in the hotel lobby.

Rooms at all Baymont Inns include large desks, speakerphones, task lights and desktop outlets for laptops--some rooms even offer high-speed Internet connections. Other standard amenities include 25-inch color TVs with cable, free local calls, voice mail, hair dryers, irons and coffeemakers. Plus, with the exception of two units in the chain, all rooms face secured interior corridors with electronic card-key locks. Some locations have pools and fitness facilities as well.

There are now more than 175 Baymont Inns in 30 states, and the chain has 34 more hotels under construction.

BEST MAJOR AIRLINE PROGRAM:

Delta Air Lines' MYOBTravel

Many major airlines have special programs for small businesses, but most offer only lukewarm benefits and tiny discounts. This year, however, Delta is taking these programs to a whole new level. Its brand-new MYOBTravel (Mind Your Own Business) program helps small businesses that spend up to $500,000 per year on travel manage their own travel programs. Web users can make air, hotel and car reservations online while earning rewards and getting 10 to 30 percent discounts when flying on Delta. Additionally, individual travelers can earn bonus frequent-flier miles and are automatically enrolled in drawings for free weekend getaway trips. To take advantage of the program, businesses must register and book their travel online at www.myobtravel.com