So, you have a business trip coming up. If this isn’t your first rodeo, you probably have the process down to a science, with a meticulously packed carry-on and a pre-charged phone charger to see you through all those battery-draining work calls. But even the savviest business travelers find the whole ordeal exhausting, thanks to jetlag, marathon meetings, and the stress of being away from family. The good news? Business travel doesn’t have to be draining. Here are six tips for making the most of a business trip with a stay in Greenwich Village.

Check out our Business Traveler's Checklist for Staying in the Village.

1. Pick the Right Hotel
Deciding where to stay might be the single most important choice you make during the planning process. A hotel is more than just a place to lay your head after a busy day– it’s your office-away-from-the-office, the setting for after hours decompressing, and your launching pad for extra-curricular adventures. Picking a hotel without the necessary amenities or a central location spells disaster for a business trip. May we suggest the best business hotel in Manhattan?

Our Washington Square Hotel may not appear to serve a large business clientele, but we do! Don’t let the quaint atmosphere and historic feel mislead you. Experienced business travelers seek us out for a variety of reasons: central location with a 2-minute walk to the nearest transit; free, fast wi-fi throughout the building; continental breakfast included in the rate; on-site North Square restaurant; ample meeting space; and much more. Reserve the Deco Room for private dining or the North Square Lounge for an informal conference or cocktail party. Either way, our workspaces at Washington Square Hotel are an ideal setting for intimate meetings.

The amenities at our Village hotel aren’t only work-related. We go above and beyond to give our guests a convenient and comfortable experience with all the luxuries of home (and then some). Lounge around in the plush robe and slippers you’ll find hanging in your room. Wake up to a healthy, hardy breakfast with fresh ingredients right from our own rooftop garden. Stave off interruptions to your fitness routine with an early morning visit at our gym. These may seem like small comforts, but they’ll go a long way towards boosting your productivity.

2. Get Outside
Screens, screens, and more screens – even face-to-face meetings are often accompanied by the blue glare of electronic charts, data, and maybe the visage of a far-flung colleague joining you on Skype. It’s imperative to give yourself a break. The best way to prevent burning out early is to get some fresh air, exercise, and sunlight. At some NYC hotels, you might step outside only to find yourself awash in the sounds of honking horns and wailing sirens. While this may be a quintessential New York sensory experience, it’s not conducive for recharging yourself.Luckily, we’re right across the street from Washington Square Park. Even if you’re in a pinch, you can close your laptop and stroll over to the verdant space, where even a ten-minute jaunt can do wonders for your mood. Plus, the people-watching is world-class. Witness a tourist challenge one of the Park’s iconic chess players or a child dance before a talented busker. Even if it’s just for a few moments, take in the historic significance while standing in one of the most storied places in the city. You’ll still make your two o’clock meeting.
 style="text-align: center; font-size: 24px;">Have a few hours to spare? Take a walking tour of Greenwich Village using our downloadable https://info.washingtonsquarehotel.com/diy-walking-tour-of-greenwich-village">Walking Tours Guide.

3. Treat Yourself
There’s nothing wrong with mixing business and leisure. After all, if there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that airline travel is exhausting and being fatigued isn’t exactly an optimal state for getting things done. Productivity is directly linked to rest. So, why not treat yourself to a soothing facial or relaxing massage?Before the whirlwind of your work trip sucks you in, book yourself a quick appointment to recover from your travel at our Serenity Suite, right here in the hotel.

4. Medicate Yourself with Laughter
You may be in The City That Never Sleeps, but that doesn’t mean you have to work around the clock. Even if you work late, there’s plenty going on in the Village to keep you entertained.
 style="text-align: left;">What’s the best way to unwind after hours? If you guessed having a cocktail, you’re only halfway right. To achieve optimal relaxation, you need a good laugh. All travelers, business and otherwise, would be negligent in their duties as visitors if they didn’t check out The Comedy Cellar. This institution is often referred to as “world-famous” and “legendary,” and for good reason. Despite its divey, old-time New York -key charm, the outpost is where many celebrities found their start, including Chris Rock, Sarah Silverman, Aziz Anzari, and Jon Stewart. Famous comics are known to drop in without warning in order to work out a bit with the audience, so you may just be amidst first group to hear Amy Schumer’s new routine. Laughing alongside colleagues is not only a blast; it’s also an effective way to build rapport. Shows go late, so even after a long day, you can squeeze in some chuckles.

https://info.washingtonsquarehotel.com/nyc-comedy-clubs Download our ebook for details on the best  style="color: #cc0201;">Comedy Clubs in Manhattan.

5. Take in Some Music
If you’re a jazz buff, you probably consider the Village Vanguard hallowed ground. Even if you’re not, a trip to the oldest continuously operating jazz club in the world is nothing short of astounding. The low-ceilinged club has hosted the likes of Barbara Streisand, Harry Belafonte, and Miles Davis, just to name a few. Not only is the Village Vanguard an ideal place to let your hair down after a long day, it’s also the not-to-be-missed Village institution.

Download our  href="https://info.washingtonsquarehotel.com/20-of-the-hottest-music-and-food-venues-in-greenwich-village">Insider’s Guide to 20 of the Hottest Music and Food Venues in Greenwich Village

6. Add an Extra Day
We realize it may not be realistic for everyone, but if you can, think about adding an extra day. After all, you’ve come a long way. While the Village itself has enough historic and cultural must-see spots to fill up a week (we’re thinking of the Stonewall Inn, the Cherry Lane Theater, and all the restaurants along Bleecker Street, just to name a few), NYC is a big place with a lot going on.

Washington Square Hotel is only a block away from the subway, which means all of the boroughs are at your fingertips. Whether you want to spend the day wandering The Met or gazing up at Lady Liberty from the water, getting around is easy. You won’t regret spending your day off in the Big Apple.

Staying in the city all week? Take advantage of our special offer: href="https://info.washingtonsquarehotel.com/special-offers">Stay five nights at WSH and the sixth night is on us!