Traveling is a fun and exciting way to see new places and learn about different cultures. Many people choose to travel by plane, train or automobile, but for those who prefer to take the road less traveled, staying in hotels can be a great choice. Hotels offer convenience, comfort and security, and are often located in key destinations.
The hotel industry is a global business with a wide range of accommodation options from luxury resorts to budget-friendly motels. Hotels generally cater to two groups of travellers: business travelers and leisure travelers. Business hotels are geared towards the needs of business travellers, and are usually located near to central business districts or business parks. They are well-connected to transportation infrastructure (road/highway network, airports and railway stations).
Guests may book their rooms through the hotel’s website or through booking consolidator websites such as Expedia or Orbitz. Many hotel bookings allow for cancellation up to the night before the intended stay.
Some hotel services include a spa and wellness area with a fitness room and a swimming pool. Other services include laundry facilities, concierge services and travel desks. Some hotels also have beauty/hair salons, restaurants and a bar. In some hotels, fax machines are available (usually at a price per-page).
In the past, hotels could differentiate themselves by their location in relation to the highway or freeway system, but now they can be found almost anywhere. This means that hotel rates can vary significantly from one property to the next. In addition, the hotel industry is notorious for charging hidden fees such as room service charges and staff gratuities.