We sat down with T.J. Groves, whose career in hospitality expands across a variety of both business and leisure-focused brands. He shared his story and his travel tips with us below:
“I’ve always had a passion for hospitality because it’s about creating connections and providing memorable experiences. I was always involved in different communities—church, sports, family gatherings, and school activities—which taught me early on how important it is to make others feel welcome. I specifically gravitated toward hotel hospitality because of the dynamic, fast-paced environment that comes with serving travelers from all walks of life. There’s something special about connecting with people who have different stories and experiences. The travel industry is constantly evolving, and I enjoy being part of that change and helping guests have seamless, memorable stays.”
“As the Area Business Travel Sales Manager for five Marriott hotels in South Austin, I understand that business travelers want a blend of comfort, convenience, and value. The first step is understanding your needs—do you prefer a complimentary breakfast, need access to a gym, or value the perks of a loyalty program? When selecting a hotel, consider the top five factors: location, price, amenities, loyalty programs, and comfort. Marriott Bonvoy offers great rewards, and being part of the largest global hotel chain means we’re able to provide valuable insights into pricing, comfort, and amenities.”
When staying at a hotel, what do you wish more business travelers knew?
“I wish more business travelers realized the tremendous value of reaching out to their hotel’s business travel seller for discounted rates. By partnering with a hotel’s sales team, you can unlock benefits for your entire company. It’s always worth asking about negotiated rates or potential discounts. Additionally, building relationships with hotel staff—especially front desk agents—can be incredibly helpful. Having someone you can rely on for everything from special requests to quick resolutions is invaluable. You never know how these connections might extend beyond one location, and it’s always nice to know you’ve got a trusted contact at the property.”
When you travel for work, what are some of your travel hacks?
“Screenshot Everything. Always take screenshots of your boarding passes, hotel reservations, and confirmation numbers. This ensures you have all the important details stored on your phone in case you encounter spotty service or connectivity issues during your trip.
Bring Your Own Water Bottle. Pack a reusable water bottle that you can refill at the airport or hotel. This is an easy way to stay hydrated, and it helps you avoid paying for overpriced bottled water at airports or hotels.
Plan Ahead. Before your trip, make a list of any potential out-of-pocket expenses and determine what can be charged to the company card. Planning this out in advance helps you avoid confusion and keeps you within your budget while on the road.
Power Up. A portable charger and a universal adapter are essential for staying connected and powered up during travel. This is especially useful when you’re on the go and need to make sure your devices stay charged throughout your trip.
Smart Snack.To keep food expenses low and avoid long lines, I buy snacks in advance, either on the plane or before I travel, and store up on healthy snacks at a local grocery store once I reach my destination. This strategy helps me save a significant amount on food and beverage costs while avoiding overpriced snacks at airports or convenience stores.
Find the Fine Print. To avoid unexpected charges at check-in or check-out, I always review the fine print pre-booking. While the room rate may seem reasonable, extras like parking, resort fees, or gym access can add up quickly. I also check for pet fees and Wi-Fi charges in advance.”
“You can book any of the five properties in the Marriott Collection of South Austin through the official site. These include the Austin Marriott South, Courtyard Austin South, Residence Inn Austin South, SpringHill Suites Austin South, and Fairfield Inn & Suites Austin South. You can also book directly through the front desk or, if your company doesn’t have a corporate rate set up yet, feel free to reach out to me—I can assist with setting that up for you.”
Next time you are in Austin, be sure to stay with TJ!
