How ‘work from hotel’ became the new WFH

You might think the most important amenities a hotel could provide would be a comfortable bed and a friendly concierge. For workers looking to shake up their WFH routine, though, a lightning-fast internet connection and electrical outlets aplenty may top that list.

The chicer cousin of the coworking space, a hotel lobby is no longer a place to simply check in or out: It’s an often overlooked third space in major cities, where guests and remote workers alike can mingle, relax, and get work done. 

Kayla Terzi is a recent convert. The hospitality real estate broker used to bounce around different cafés while working remotely in New York City—that is, until she discovered the common area of the Soho Grand. 

“I started noticing hotels offer a quieter, more consistent environment, especially for long calls or focused work sessions,” Terzi, 26, told Fast Company. “At the same time, an energized, cool, social environment helps me stay inspired.”

The concept of using hotels as coworking spaces is far from new, but as many companies increasingly opt for hybrid working arrangements, hotels are filling a growing gap between demand and supply when it comes to workspaces.

Nearly one in three workers say their company has cut office space since 2020, with 43% reporting that no replacement workspace was provided. That’s according to a November 2025 study conducted by Engine, a booking platform for business travel. Additionally, the rise of the gig economy means there are more freelancers and self-employed workers than ever before. According to the MBO Partners State of Independence in America Report, there were an estimated 72.9 million Americans freelancing in some capacity in 2025. 

Those workers need space to work, with nearly one in five surveyed by Engine regularly going on “space scavenger hunts” for a change of scenery from their cramped apartments and desk-next-to-bed setups.

Instead of turning visitors away, hotels are increasingly opening their doors to take in stray workers—even if they’re not guests. 

“As long as I order a coffee or something to eat, they usually let me work and hang out for as long as I need,” Terzi said. “Of course, I make sure not to overstay my welcome.”

For those who are looking for a little more privacy, services like Engine Spaces make it easy for workers and business travelers to make use of professional workspaces and meeting rooms from the platform’s extensive hotel network, 82% of which otherwise sit empty most of the time, a December 2025 Engine survey found. “People shouldn’t need to call a hotel to get basic information about a meeting space,” Elia Wallen, founder and CEO of Engine, told Fast Company. “It’s 2026, and this is one of the last corners of hospitality that needs to come online, fast.” 

There’s a gap in the market, apparently. Within the first month of Engine’s beta launch, more than 1,000 spaces were added to the marketplace by hotels, according to the company.

What Terzi looks for in a hotel lobby is reliable Wi-Fi, accessible power outlets, and comfortable seating. “One of my favorite lessons is that nothing extraordinary happens in ordinary spaces,” Terzi said. 

Remember, even if you’re not forking out hundreds or thousands of dollars a night for a room in a five-star hotel, in most cases you can still order a coffee and take advantage of the property’s common spaces.

Then, following a productive day of work, seamlessly make your way to the hotel lobby bar. Because why not?

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