The ordinary person believes that business travelers love to splurge on hotels, airlines and outlandish amenities while on company work because after all, the company picks up the tab.

Not quite true in the age of the great American fitness fever! Overindulgence and opulence (except in the case of celebrities) are rarely regarded favorably!

The Average American wants value for money, regardless of who's picking up the tab.

A travelmole report of a study on biz travelers by Runzheimer International points out that 74% of travel managers surveyed in the study reported that biz travelers frequently used "economy type" hotels.

As economy hotels have gotten ahead in the amenity game (free high-speed Internet, complimentary breakfast, business services, free in-room coffee & iron), business travelers are getting a taste of value-for-money.

The good times in the hotel industry have also helped in no small measure. Occasionally, even the fussiest traveler has to settle for a budget hotel or bed & breakfast inn.

That's when they discover that hotels in different segments are not really worlds apart!

Vijay is Chief Operating Officer and part-founder of Apple Core Hotels- a chain of 5 midtown Manhattan hotels offering value and comfort in the heart of the city.Member of the board of Directors - Hotel Association of New York.

www.vijaydandapani.com