Such is the image of today's typical executive traveller. They are more concerned than ever about the bottom line, and at the same time extra discerning when it comes to wants and needs.

Francois Vanvi, director of sales and marketing at the Marco Polo hotels, describes how the profile of corporate travellers has changed over the years.

'They are looking for a good rate, good location, comfort and convenience,' she says. 'A few years ago, having a fax available was the key. Now they expect broadband service in the rooms.

'They don't want brashness in decor - just a duvet, and that's about it. A pool is a bonus but a gym is a must. They all want value for money, so if a laundry discount is offered, they are glad to take it.'

Mini-bar purchases are more likely to be tea than alcohol, and 'service, as always, is in demand'.

But Mr Vanvi puts cost at the top of the executive guest's priority list, as corporate expense accounts have shrunk and 'everyone has pressure on their budgets'.

As one of its incentives to attract business, Marco Polo hotels will offer a free American buffet breakfast from mid-November. The offer follows the 'buy-two-nights-get-a-third-night-free' summer sale that ended recently. The group is also collaborating with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council to provide value-for-money packages for participants in trade shows and exhibitions.

Gerhard Hecker, general manager of the InterContinental Grand Stanford Hong Kong, agrees the requirements of executives are changing, and that there is a greater emphasis on being able to do business with minimum hassle. He says up-to-date information technology facilities are 'utterly important', broadband and wireless local area network access is mandatory, and meeting rooms with the latest technical support facilities are an advantage.

'We also note an increased interest in hotel internal venues, where today's business men and women can meet and socialise in an informal setting.'

Mr Hecker says the hotel aims to eliminate any unnecessary burden from the time-stressed executive.

'We want to make it easier for them to slip in and out of the hotel, and we want to cater for all of their organisational needs for conducting business in the region.

'At the same time, we have to provide the business traveller with an atmosphere where he or she can relax after a hectic day. Enjoying good patronage at the moment are the themed restaurants with light, authentic cuisine, the in-room entertainment service, the professionally equipped gym, and the spa facilities.'

Noel Chai, director of sales and marketing at The Excelsior, says price-conscious executives are looking for value-added services.

'We offer corporate advantages for business travellers, such as the free pressing of a suit or dress, a 15 per cent discount on laundry and dry cleaning, and a 10 per cent discount at all of the hotel's restaurants and bars. In the past, when businesses were doing well, executive travellers opted for luxurious five-star properties because price was not a major issue in choosing accommodation.'

The Excelsior is offering business travellers special packages, such as 'Bizz Pak', Long Stay Package and Seasonal Choices.

Wendy Mitchinson, vice-president of sales for Asia-Pacific, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, describes how Hong Kong's Mandarin Oriental has gone hi-tech to attract business travellers.

'A dedicated meeting and conference facility that makes use of natural lighting and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities was unveiled at the hotel last year. A new Business Centre with hi-tech services was also built to support the entire second meeting facility. The Business Centre offers secretarial and translation services, office space and information on business practice in Hong Kong.

'All guest rooms have STSN user-friendly plug-and-play internet access, which allows guests to browse the web, collect and send e-mail and connect to virtual private networks without re-configuring their laptop computer settings.'

The Mandarin has packages tailored to business travellers from different geographic regions, such as the Business and Pleasure Package for the mainland.