Traveling and Hotels

Traveling and hotels are often linked, the experience of staying in a hotel is a luxury for many. It is a pampering experience; long hot showers, room service, unlimited TV, temperature controlled at the touch of a button. Travel and tourism is generally considered to be a great factor in a region’s economy, it brings prosperity and employment opportunities etc.

Different types of hotels cater for different travellers’ needs and budgets; star ratings (which may be regulated by tourism authorities or by hotel associations) provide some guidance but are generally arbitrary. A boutique hotel is usually more exclusive and expensive but also has a distinctive character and may be aimed at a particular type of traveller; the term is being used increasingly to describe independent properties which have been acquired or created by chain operators.

Checking in and checking out are typically made quicker by automated kiosks and mobile apps for bookings; this has the additional benefit of making hotels less dependent on staff for routine tasks. Hotel amenities include wellness, fitness and spa facilities – with sauna, massage/therapy rooms or beauty salons – for a fee or included in the price of the stay. Hotels also offer business centres with services such as computers, printers and fax machines for use by guests, often at a fixed price per-page or for a daily subscription fee.

Hotels sometimes offer breakfast in the morning; this can save money on dining out and provides a standard start to the day. In some countries this is a requirement for some types of accommodation, and in others it is an option. Hotels that have loyalty programs for regular visitors may provide a free or discounted rate as part of the scheme.