Tips for your next business trip to western USA!
In May 2020, I, Anne-Marie Koopmans, Manager of Operations in Arnhem, was supposed to go on a tour of West America. Unfortunately this trip could not take place due to the corona virus. Since I arrange many business and group trips to the United States and have done a lot of preliminary research about the western USA, I would like to share my tips for your next business trip to the western USA through this blog!
Our trip would begin in San Francisco. Because of the many (IT) companies that have established themselves there (many of them on the south side in "Silicon Valley"), this city is now one of the most important business cities in America.
Business hotels in San Francisco
Many business hotels are located around Union Square, San Francisco's central square. For example:
Marriott San Francisco Fisherman's Wharf 4*
Offers everything a business traveler needs. The 285 comfortable rooms are equipped with every convenience, including pillowtop beds, a refrigerator and coffee/tea making facilities. The hotel features a restaurant with bar/lounge, business center and fitness facilities.
Grand Hyatt San Francisco Union Square 4* or Palace Hotel San Francisco 5*
Aimed at the business traveler, these luxury hotels are equipped with all conveniences such as 24-hour fitness facilities, restaurant, bar and wifi.
Source: Palace Hotel San Francisco
The Marina District is also home to many hotels. In the Marina District is Fisherman's Wharf, this waterfront district is one of the busiest neighborhoods in San Francisco. Wonderful hotels in this district include:
Fairmont Heritage Place, Ghiraldelli Square 5*
From the rooftop terrace you have a beautiful view of the bay. The hotel offers 53 luxury suites, each with a fireplace. A 24-hour business center and a health club are some of the facilities at this hotel.
TIP: VISIT YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK!
Should you have a few more days in San Francisco, I would definitely recommend driving down to Yosemite National Park. This national park is considered one of the most beautiful parks in America, and for good reason. The park has something for everyone: mountains, waterfalls, lakes and green grasslands, you won't get bored here! Yosemite National Park is just under a 4-hour drive from San Francisco.
Viva Las Vegas
Our next stop: Las Vegas. Everyone has an image of this city in the desert, a city where anything goes. Las Vegas is usually not immediately thought of as a business travel destination, but nothing could be further from the truth. Many major conferences are held in Las Vegas. For example, the largest trade show in the U.S.; the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) with 180,000 visitors, the automotive trade show; "Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)" with 160,000 visitors and North America's largest construction trade show; "ConExpo/ConAGG" with 130,000 visitors.
Unlike other hotels in major cities, hotels in Las Vegas are often favorably priced. Did you know that over 62,000 hotel rooms can be booked on the Las Vegas Strip and that 15 of the 25 largest hotels in the world are located on this Strip? The largest hotel on the Strip is MGM Grand with over 6,800 hotel rooms.
For a luxury experience on the Strip, for example, stay at the Wynn 5*. In this stylish hotel, the level of service is unprecedented and you will lack nothing. A fun fact: the cocktails in the casino are said to be better here than anywhere else!
The Waldorf Astoria 5* is an oddity unlike its competitors. This "small" hotel in the middle of the Strip with only 392 rooms does not have its own casino. This hotel does have a magnificent lobby on the 23ste floor and cocktail lounge with beautiful views of the Strip.
Source: Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas
Doing business in America
Although Western Europeans and Americans are similar, there are some differences between the cultures. Here are some tips for doing business in America:
1 – Americans have a friendly and optimistic attitude toward business partners. However, they do like clarity and professionalism, so don't beat around the bush and state immediately what you want to say.
2 – Targets and results is what counts, and Americans place a high value on this. It is important to sell yourself and your accomplishments.
3 – Managers have an important role in the organization and often make the important decisions. It is not common for employees to make their own decisions.
4 – Real life meetings are part of doing business. Always confirm the appointment in advance and arrive on time or slightly early.
5 – Also important: don't visit without an appointment! The conversation will often begin with the question, How are you? Answering that you are doing well is sufficient; Americans do not expect whole stories.
6 – An agreement is not legally valid until it is actually in writing and signed. A verbal agreement is not binding!
Everything well arranged through Uniglobe Alliance Travel
Unfortunately, I had to cancel this trip due to the corona crisis. I booked the flights, hotels and car rental through Uniglobe Alliance Travel. This way I knew I was booking with reliable suppliers and they certainly proved that when I had to cancel my trip. My cancellations were handled quickly and professionally and they did everything they could to make sure the cancellation fees were as low as possible. I am already looking forward to the day when I can resume my travel plans and hope to book many trips to the US again soon for our business travelers as well!
Travel Well!
Anne-Marie Koopmans,
Manager of Operations Arnhem
Update: This blog first appeared on Aug. 5, 2020, and was updated with new information on Nov. 9, 2021.
