What to Look for in a Hotel if you’re Working Remotely
Not every hotel is built with remote workers in mind. Some look the part but miss the mark. If you’ve ever tried to run a meeting from a room with spotty Wi-Fi or balance your laptop on a lounge chair, you’ll know how limiting that can be.
Remote work is now part of everyday life for millions of Australians. In 2024, more than one in three people reported working from home. That number has remained steady since the pandemic peak and is expected to hold in the years ahead. It’s clear this shift isn’t temporary, it’s how many of us work now.
As more people work away from traditional offices, the expectations placed on hotels have evolved. Travellers are no longer just tourists, they’re professionals who need a space that works with them. Fast Wi-Fi, proper desks, nourishing food and calming surroundings have become essentials.
Here’s what to look for in a hotel when planning to work remotely, and how Crystalbrook Vincent in Brisbane delivers on all fronts.
1. Fast, consistent Wi-Fi you can count on
Wi-Fi should be a given, not a gamble. It’s often the first thing people check when they arrive, and for remote workers, it’s non-negotiable. Spotty internet can throw off an entire day.
To check the strength of a hotel’s Wi-Fi, run a quick internet speed test after connecting. Just search 'internet speed test' in your browser and use a tool like Google’s built-in version or Speedtest.net. Results above 25 Mbps for download and 5 Mbps for upload are usually enough for calls, cloud-based tools and large file uploads.
It’s also worth checking recent online reviews for mentions of Wi-Fi performance. Speed matters, but reliability is just as important when your workday depends on it.
2. A proper workspace, not just a pretty room
A hotel room might look great on a brochure, but if it lacks a proper work setup, it’s going to slow you down. A decent workspace helps prevent neck strain, keeps your posture in check, and makes long sessions at the laptop a lot more manageable.
Before booking, take a close look at the hotel photos. Is there a real desk and chair, or just a side table and armchair? Is there accessible power, decent lighting, and space to spread out?
You shouldn’t have to work from bed or crouch over your laptop on a lounge. A simple, well-laid-out workspace can make a huge difference to your focus and energy. It’s not just about comfort, it’s about being able to work properly when you need to.
3. Fuel the hustle. Feed the mind.
Big ideas need more than just back-to-back meetings, they need good food, strong coffee, and a change of scenery.
At Crystalbrook Vincent, staying sharp is easy. Start your day at Mews, where locally sourced dishes keep things fresh and flavourful. Need a quick pick-me-up between calls? There’s in-room dining, a stash of grab-and-go options just downstairs, and a Nespresso machine in every room (because coffee waits for no one).
When it’s time to take five, stretch your legs riverside or swap screen time for sunshine with a walking meeting. And when the workday’s done? Fiume Rooftop Bar is ready with the vibes, views, and something a little stronger.
4. Tools that make work easier
Work doesn’t always wait for a meeting room. Whether you're pitching to clients, dialling into a video call, or setting up a workspace on the fly, you need more than just a laptop and good intentions.
That’s where Crystalbrook Vincent's Business in a Bag comes in — your portable office, ready when you are. Available for just $30 a day, the kit includes a full HD monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse, adjustable ring light, optional adapters, and a protective carry bag.
It’s the no-fuss solution for freelancers, remote workers, and on-the-go professionals who need to stay sharp, set up fast, and work from wherever inspiration (or obligation) strikes.
5. Design that works as hard as you do
Beyond the basics, the atmosphere of a hotel can influence how you feel and work throughout the day. A thoughtfully designed space can help you stay focused and energised, especially during long sessions at your laptop.
We believe your surroundings should energise, not drain. Thoughtfully curated interiors, natural light, and bold local art aren’t just for show, they help shift your mindset, keep you focused, and make long laptop sessions feel a little less...long.
Need to reset? Step out for a riverside walk, swap your seat for a spot in the sun, or recharge in a quiet corner of the lobby. A change of scene (even for ten minutes) can help clear the brain fog and bring fresh perspective to whatever’s next.
Planning your work trip?
If you’re heading to Brisbane and want to stay productive, Crystalbrook Vincent offers a mix of comfort, convenience and work-ready features. Wi-Fi that keeps up, meals that fuel focus, and tools like Business in a Bag help make every remote workday more efficient.
Book your stay, pack your laptop, and discover why Crystalbrook Vincent is one of Australia’s most thoughtfully equipped best remote work hotels.