Originally posted by chef
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I'd say there are generally 2 modes of thought when choosing hotels:
Option 1) Get yourself somewhere that's comfy with all you're requirements without going over board (i.e wifi, decent room, large bed, hotel bar, room service, lcd tv etc.) because of the following reasons:
- you're your own boss, why stay in a dump when you're paying the bills/approving expenses
- staying away is a perfectly valid business expense and so why scrimp and save when effectively the money is only going to goto HMRC anyway if you do
- if you have to live away then you might as well be happy and have what you require rather than be unhappy, hate working away which will eventually cause further issues
Option 2) Cheap and cheerful is the way forward, save every penny possible, B&B's all the way to maximise profit to enable me to spend the money saved elsewhere, something perfectly functional but with minimal cost i.e B&B with good breakfast, wireless internet is a bonus, somewhere not too far away from a local pub
it generally depends on you're outlook on life and the way you run a business.
Personally, I always book myself into a half decent hotel for 2 weeks to get a feel of where is best to stay/where posisble drinking colleagues are staying/nice areas of town are etc. Plus I find it helps if you stay somewhere nice to begin with as then you look at your new "woring away" location more positively than if you stay in squalor from the start. During this 2 week period I then look for a cheaper option such as a recommended B&B, an Inn with a decent restaurant nearby or more likely renting (ensuring my contract meets my work contract in terms of notice etc.) mainly because I prefer to cook myself a meal a few times a week rather than the lonely meal out with a paper/book etc.
However, it all depends on the location and length of contract. Short term contracts I go with option 1, longer term contracts I aim for a nice/good find version of Option 2. Happiness and quality of life while away is key for me rather than saving money to give it to the tax man. However, I have no wife or kids to worry about.. yet
Option 1) Get yourself somewhere that's comfy with all you're requirements without going over board (i.e wifi, decent room, large bed, hotel bar, room service, lcd tv etc.) because of the following reasons:
- you're your own boss, why stay in a dump when you're paying the bills/approving expenses
- staying away is a perfectly valid business expense and so why scrimp and save when effectively the money is only going to goto HMRC anyway if you do
- if you have to live away then you might as well be happy and have what you require rather than be unhappy, hate working away which will eventually cause further issues
Option 2) Cheap and cheerful is the way forward, save every penny possible, B&B's all the way to maximise profit to enable me to spend the money saved elsewhere, something perfectly functional but with minimal cost i.e B&B with good breakfast, wireless internet is a bonus, somewhere not too far away from a local pub
it generally depends on you're outlook on life and the way you run a business.
Personally, I always book myself into a half decent hotel for 2 weeks to get a feel of where is best to stay/where posisble drinking colleagues are staying/nice areas of town are etc. Plus I find it helps if you stay somewhere nice to begin with as then you look at your new "woring away" location more positively than if you stay in squalor from the start. During this 2 week period I then look for a cheaper option such as a recommended B&B, an Inn with a decent restaurant nearby or more likely renting (ensuring my contract meets my work contract in terms of notice etc.) mainly because I prefer to cook myself a meal a few times a week rather than the lonely meal out with a paper/book etc.
However, it all depends on the location and length of contract. Short term contracts I go with option 1, longer term contracts I aim for a nice/good find version of Option 2. Happiness and quality of life while away is key for me rather than saving money to give it to the tax man. However, I have no wife or kids to worry about.. yet
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