Traveling and hotels are two of the largest service industries in the world, both of which are highly important to people travelling from one place to another. They provide various services that travellers require along their journey, including accommodation and transportation.
Hotels are usually a part of larger hospitality or hotel chains, but can also be independent. They offer rooms with all the amenities a traveller might need while on holiday, including long hot showers, room service and unlimited TV at a touch of a button.
There are many types of hotels to choose from, ranging from budget chain hotels to luxury suites with round-the-clock staff and prices to match. Some also offer additional services like spa facilities, wellness and fitness centres.
These may include a swimming pool, sauna and a massage/therapy room with staff to render the services. Some of these are included in the room rate while others may be available for a separate fee.
Other features that hotels often provide, which guests can take advantage of, are a concierge desk, meeting/conference spaces, luggage storage and laundry facilities. Some have restaurants, bars and lounges.
Some hotel rooms are rated, either independently or by an industry organization, with stars awarded according to criteria such as size and amenities. Some hotels also have their own loyalty programmes and reward their frequent customers with free stays, discounted rates or additional perks.
Hotels are an important component of tourism and have a direct impact on the economy. With countless business trips cancelled as a result of the Coronavirus, and tourism bookings at a record low, the effects of this outbreak are likely to have a serious impact on the industry for a while to come.