- Blended travel (harmoniously balancing business, leisure, and personal time) is more important to travelers than ever before.
- Crowne Plaza is adapting with social spaces, well-being options, and a focus on time and space to connect.
- From stylish dining areas to new apps that spark curiosity and creativity, travelers can thrive in every aspect of life and travel.
Seamlessly combining business and pleasure is a work-life win-win. So, it's no surprise that travelers are increasingly finding ways to capitalize on both in the form of blended travel.
According to one report, 56% of US and UK travelers said the ability to travel while working is a major benefit of remote work. Hotel groups like Crowne Plaza are noticing that this growing shift in the travel space is leading to personal and professional improvement.
"We all lean into our professional careers, and we all want to maximize the enjoyment of our leisure time and personal goals," said Ginger Taggart, vice president of brand management — global premium brands, IHG Hotels & Resorts. "Blended travel is a way to actually do both whilst making life richer and more meaningful."
Crowne Plaza has been at the movement's forefront, while also leveling up its catalog of hotels in some of the world's most desirable locations. A massive 70% of Crowne Plaza properties in the Americas are new or recently renovated, while more than 60% of properties across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa will have been renovated by the end of 2026 — with each prioritizing the perfect balance of leisure and business. Here's what's new.
Blurred lines between office and oasis
As attitudes around hybrid and remote work change, so do travelers' expectations. In the early stages of blended travel, professionals would tack on a day at the beginning or end of a business trip in hopes of finding time to see a sight or two. But Taggart said it's evolved to be much more than that.
Across Crowne Plaza's 415 hotels spanning 67 countries, she said they're seeing that people are bringing along their significant others, kids, best friends, and even parents on business trips more than ever before. Post-meeting, travelers are taking advantage of the hotel's updated and upscale amenities and building special memories with their favorite people in exciting locales around the world.
"People really have an opportunity to work from anywhere and to explore the catalyst for creativity, insights, and inspiration while having all of the business facilities at their fingertips," she said.
One of Crowne Plaza's signature assets is its Crowne Plaza Studios. These dedicated meeting spaces offer a flexible alternative to the traditional boardroom, with creativity and collaboration in mind. At the same time, the brand's Social Spaces offer a relaxed space to take calls or hold informal meetings, giving an alternative to the hotel room or business center.
"Maybe their significant other is relaxing in the hotel room, but they need space to finish a presentation or hold a quick online meeting," Taggart said. "It's the perfect flexible space for someone who's having that blended travel experience. Once work is done for the day, they can meet there for coffee or cocktails."
In an age where traveling with a plus one (or two, three, or four) has become a legitimized part of the business travel experience for many, Crowne Plaza also ensures that guests of guests have the best possible stay. Itineraries are available for solo travelers, groups, or families who might be making the most of the hotel or location while the primary traveler is busy at work.
Social spaces and events for every type of traveler
Gone are the days of stuffy lobbies and tired restaurants. Creating a comfortable and stylish place to cultivate creativity and inspiration over a morning cup of coffee or an afternoon cocktail is all about fostering connection.
From revamped pool areas, vibrant new drink menus, and elegant dining venues, its portfolio of hotels is ideal for travelers looking to mingle, bounce ideas off like-minded travelers, or enjoy time with loved ones, in between time to themselves.
Guests can also attend a Crowne Plaza Social, where everyone comes together for unique experiences like wine tasting or a sushi rolling class, designed to inspire conversation and connection.
Self-care is part of every stay
For busy jet setters and professionals, "me time" is more critical than ever. Whether that's morning meditation, a walk through a nearby park, or a facial at the spa, hotels like Crowne Plaza are starting to offer various ways to prioritize well-being while you're away for work, traveling for pleasure, or a bit of both.
The hotel brand's latest partnerships are with BBC Maestro and FIIT apps. BBC Maestro pulls your curiosity chords by giving hotel guests bite-sized content that inspires, from a sommelier class to talk on optimizing happiness.
On top of mental well-being, for many travelers, physical wellness is crucial to their success. By partnering with FIIT, Crowne Plaza offers guests access to morning yoga while staying at one of their beach resorts or a HIIT class in the city center, or vice versa.
"Whatever our guest's journey is, even if they are traveling for business, our hotel teams are here to support them and ensure that their travel experience is not just fueling their professional output, impact, and results, but it's actually supporting them as individuals with personal passions and goals," Taggart said.
Book your next stay at Crowne Plaza.
This post was created by Insider Studios with IHG Crowne Plaza.