What’s Trending in Domestic Business Travel Right Now?
Despite remote and hybrid work environments becoming the new norm, year-over-year, we’ve seen increases in mobility activity worldwide. This sustained increase underscores a critical reality: employee movement remains a key driver of business growth and resilient talent strategies worldwide.
Closer to home, the trends are just as strong. In Q1 2026, U.S. domestic business travel is expected to continue its upward trajectory, with corporate travel budgets projected to grow nearly 5% year-over-year, according to Morgan Stanley. Hotel demand remains high, and average daily rates (ADR) are climbing, particularly in major hot spots like New York City and Washington, D.C.
New York City continues to thrive as a top destination for finance, media, and tech sectors, with ADRs hovering near $300 and occupancy rates above 80%. Similarly, Washington, D.C. sees steady demand driven by government sessions and advocacy events, with lodging costs aligned to GSA per diem rates ($180–$250+). Together, these conditions signal a critical Q1 for cost optimization, as peak demand and limited availability leave little flexibility for short-notice bookings.
How Corporate Housing Helps You Cut Costs
When business travelers are on the move, hotels are often the default choice, but hidden fees and nightly rate volatility can quickly inflate costs, especially for stays lasting several weeks or longer. One of the most effective ways to manage Q1 travel spend is by leveraging corporate housing instead of traditional hotels.
Weichert Corporate Housing offers fully furnished apartments with predictable, all-inclusive pricing, often 20–40% lower than comparable hotel rates for stays of 30 days or more. Beyond cost savings, travelers benefit from more space, kitchens for meal prep, access to premium amenities, and a home-like environment—reducing incidental expenses and improving employee satisfaction. What’s more, Weichert Corporate Housing customizes accommodations to meet the specific needs of your mobile professionals, whether it’s proximity to the office, pet-friendly units, or additional bedrooms for family members. So wherever work takes them, your travelers can stay comfortably—and cost-effectively—in a place that truly feels like home.
For companies with recurring projects in NYC or D.C., locking in corporate housing agreements now can stabilize budgets, avoid seasonal rate spikes, and deliver a more comfortable experience for traveling teams. A true win-win!
Ready to Optimize Your Business Travel Program?
Contact Weichert Corporate Housing today to learn how we can help your organization drastically reduce costs, enhance traveler comfort, and streamline extended-stay solutions in key U.S. markets. info@weichertch.com
