Who knew that the &ldquowork from home&rdquo scenario would extend for months when we were in the first week of the lockdown (secretly enjoying not having to catch that early morning local or metro to work anymore)
At first, it was a pleasant change from our hectic office lives. We got to spend more time with our kin and somehow everyone was loving the initial weeks. As the months progressed and the dreadful pandemic wreaked havoc, working from home became a drudge, taxing and monotonous. Also, most people complained that they were being made to work more than ever before. While some had upset sleep cycles, others yearned for a change of space.
And then came the concept of work-cations. Once travel restrictions lifted, people rushed to the mountains to work from cosy homestays. This has been one of the biggest trends in the post-COVID world.
Now, hotels too are offering amazing packages for those who would love to work from a luxurious hotel room, while enjoying a relaxing vacation with their loved ones.
You can choose to soak in Goa&rsquos unique susegad charm or revel in its rich heritage inspired by Portuguese influences, for an uninterrupted family vacation with a side of work thrown in.
Those missing the serenity of the mountains can head to the resorts in Rishikesh, Shimla or Coorg, which are perfect to both, rejuvenate the soul and inspire a burst of professional creativity.
Or one can balance work and play like the maharajas and maharanis at the stunning palaces across majestic locations in Rajasthan &ndash be it the Lake City of Udaipur, Pink City of Jaipur or Blue City of Jodhpur.
Guests can also choose to work while revelling in the serene backwaters of Kerala for a relaxing workcation.
Here are some of the best 'Work from Hotel' deals available right now.
Hyatt
Leading hotel chain Hyatt has introduced a new work space concept across several properties to help their guests reset their work routines while enjoying a safe stay. Hyatt Centric MG Road Bangalore launched The Work Pad package in June 2020 for Rs1,800/day. The package gives access to high speed internet, complimentary refreshments, 20 percent discount on food and beverage and laundry services. Additionally, a lunch subscription plan of Hyatt&rsquos Centric Tiffin Services is also offered to the guests as part of this package. Grand Hyatt Mumbai came up with The Corner Office in July 2020, offering a customised private office space of up to 40 sq. m to guests. This private space starting at Rs14,000 taxes for a room/ night for stay an additional meeting room fully equipped with office facilities comes with all work-related facilities. The package also includes a 20 percent discount on food & beverages, including in-room dining services along with Business Centre services.
Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli has launched Work from Hyatt cabins which start at Rs2,000/day, under three categories of Deluxe, Premium and Platinum. Apart from the essential IT amenities, guests can also use an inbuilt electronic safe along with a mini fridge and TV. Hyatt Regency Delhi also offers secure and personalised working spaces to cater to the needs of business travellers. Along with an option to choose from a variety of boardrooms and well-appointed suites, guests can also use additional benefits such as high speed internet, video conferencing services, 20 percent off on laundry, unlimited tea/ coffee and 15 percent off on food & beverage. Hyatt Place Hyderabad has introduced &lsquoThe Working Place&rsquo starting at Rs3,995 taxes/day on double occupancy which offers guests flexible work stations within the rooms with high speed internet and a 20 percent discount on both laundry and food & beverage. The package also includes unlimited tea & coffee and free parking space for self-driven cars.
ITC Hotels
ITC has come up with two offers for working professionals. Their Day Use offer allows their guests to rejuvenate, refresh and get the most out of their day. It&rsquos a perfect layover for work ventures with a 12 hour stay 9am to 9pm, in the comfort of a well-appointed room to refresh and restart. This package is for corporate executives or businessmen on the move with complimentary board rooms for two hours to conduct meetings at most ITC and Welcomhotel properties. Then there&rsquos the Welcombreak All-In Getaway Package (inclusive of accommodation, meals and more) which offers the convenience of book now and pay later along with flexible cancellation policy.
Starting at INR 5,299 plus taxes, the Welcombreak All-In luxury getaway is valid till 31st October, 2020. The package includes all day meals, additional savings on F&B, complimentary laundry, happy hours, late check-out, Wi-Fi and savings on recreational services. Participating hotels include ITC Grand Bharat, Delhi NCR ITC Rajputana, Jaipur ITC Royal Bengal, Kolkata ITC Kohenur, Hyderabad ITC Kakatiya Hyderabad ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru ITC Windsor, Bengaluru Welcomhotel Bengaluru Welcomhotel Grand Bay, Vizag Welcomhotel Coimbatore Welcomhotel Vadodara Welcomhotel Amritsar Welcomhotel Bella Vista, Chandigarh.
IHCL
Guests can now enjoy the opportunity to work out of their own private office in a hotel or resort of their choice with Indian Hotels Company&rsquos new Bizcation offer. For those looking to escape the confines of home and maximise work from rejuvenating environs like a beach, palace, mountains or by the pool, bizcations are an ideal choice. Bizcations give guests the option of working in a calm, safe, comfortable and hygienic environment while spending quality time with family and indulging in unique and immersive local experiences. IHCL&rsquos diverse portfolio across over 100 locations provides myriad choices for guests wanting a slice of paradise whilst at work.
From accommodation in higher category rooms, high speed internet facilities and quiet work stations to specially crafted meals, wellness sessions, and array of recreational activities, the Bizcation offer has all the ingredients to balance work and some much needed rest and relaxation at a choice of Taj, SeleQtions and Vivanta hotels and resorts and ama Stays and Trails villas. A minimum stay of ten nights is required. Extra adults will be charged as per the hotel&rsquos standard policy and applicable rates and taxes. The package includes all meals, high speed internet facility, and additional workspace for 6 hours and two pieces of laundry per day. The rates vary according to every property. The range is between Rs6,000- Rs20,000 per night per room.
Marriott
Ensuring maximum flexibility and savings, the staycation packages at Marriott properties are tailor made to each unique holiday need and preference. These staycations, packed with entertainment and fun come with the added benefits of a complimentary pick up & drop, room upgrade on check-in and free stay for kids That&rsquos not all, select hotels will also let you indulge in special evenings curated by their chefs or avail of in-room movie experiences, topped with snacks & beverages. Marriott Bonvoy members will get to earn additional points during their stay, second night onwards. There is something for everyone
You can book now and indulge in a peaceful getaway until 31st December 2020. Within comfortable driving distance to an address in the heart of your own city or a domestic destination of your choice, guests have the pleasure of choosing from a host of curated experiences, within the hotel. In recognition of the current scenario, guests can request for contact-less room check-in along with convenience of paying digitally. The staycation packages includes breakfast, upgrading to a higher category room, free stay and dining for kids up to 12 years, complimentary pick-up and drop, in-room movie experiences and on request special evening celebrations by chefs. The bookings can be made until 30th October, 2020 and the package is valid till 31st December, 2020. You can book your stay via Staycaywithmarriott.com
Ibis Hotels
Ibis Hotels, a part of Accor, has come up with an innovative way of providing alternative working space to individuals and organisations looking to work remotely in a healthy and dependable environment with its new venture, Work@ibis. The brand has executed the experience with a focus on cost-efficiency and flexibility of working hours.  Their trendy, vibrant workspaces are conducive to fuelling innovation, productivity and meaningful collaboration&mdashand at the same time adhere to the safety and hygiene standards. The services include ready-to-move-in workspaces, meeting and conference rooms and office lounges with access to high-speed internet connectivity, office essentials, tea and coffee stations, personalised food and beverage options. Working professionals will also have access to their restaurants, bars and cafes.
Vista Rooms
If you are not too comfortable staying in a hotel, you can also have an entire villa to yourself. The worktion package being offered by Vista Rooms start at Rs75,000 per month (minus taxes). The package includes basic amenities like oven, mixer, refrigerator and crockery, dish washer, laundry. Their villas also have private pools, kid&rsquos play area, indoor games, smart TVs with access to Netflix and other streaming platforms. You can expect an internet speed of 30mbps and above. There&rsquos power backup too. Some of their properties are even pet friendly and some have in-house gyms and libraries. Only one family is allowed inside one villa at a time to maintain social distancing.
Porcupine Castle, Coorg
Nestled in the verdant environs of Coorg, Porcupine Castle is an amazing option for Bangalore peeps.Their workation packages range between Rs2,500-Rs4,500 per night plus taxes. Surrounded by lush coffee plantations, Porcupine Castle is all about soaking in the serenity as you navigate from one Zoom call to the other. Every room accommodates only 2 adults and 2 children below the age of 10. For every extra adult, you will have to pay around Rs1,300 for every night. The package includes only breakfast and you will have to pay extra for lunch and dinner. You can expect indoor games, trekking, bonfire, bird watching and swimming among other leisure activities available at the property.