The only place you can truly be off the clock on work trips, according to business travelers

Nine in 10 business travelers said their hotel room is the only place they’re truly “off the clock” during a work trip in a recent travel survey.The poll of 2,000 Americans who regularly travel for work found that for today’s business travelers, the hotel room has become more than just a place to sleep — it’s often the only place they can truly switch off.Business travel has always been about making the most of time away — balancing meetings, deadlines, and moments of connection.But what often gets lost in the mix is downtime to recharge.Hyatt commissioned the survey with Talker Research to explore the realities of business travel today, including limited alone time and the pressure to be “on,” as well as the essentials that help travelers stay productive and well-rested.As most business travelers know, one of the biggest work travel challenges isn’t logistical or work-related at all.

But rather, it’s feeling like they’re never fully allowed to step away.One respondent described a “constant pressure to be ‘on’ with no real chance to fully recharge without guilt” — a sentiment that resonated with nearly half of travelers (46%), who admitted they feel guilty turning down optional work activities in favor of decompressing in their hotel room.As a result, many have found creative ways to carve out a little personal time.Nearly half (47%) admitted they’ve retreated to their hotel room instead of networking, while 36% have faked meetings to get some downtime and 33% have claimed conflicting commitments to avoid work dinners.Some excuses were even more imaginative.

A handful of respondents confessed to feigning temporary blindness, hearing loss or amnesia to get out of social obligations, while others blamed the need to FaceTime their pet or family — all in pursuit of a little uninterrupted alone time back at the hotel.Along with being safe havens for rest and relaxation, hotel rooms are also business travelers’ after-hours offices...