Traveling and hotels are almost synonymous in the world of modern travel. The majority of travelers now use hotel booking websites to plan their trips and book flights and hotels together as part of a package deal that includes everything they need for their trip. Expedia, which is one of the most popular travel sites online today, offers flight, hotel, car, cruise and other bookings along with a full range of package deals.
A hotel is an accommodation facility that provides rooms, typically with private baths, for travellers. They can vary in size from small single rooms to large suites. Many offer amenities such as a spa, gym, swimming pool, restaurant and/or bar. Some have concierge services and staff available to assist guests. Some also offer room service and wake-up calls.
The types of hotels and facilities available differ by destination, season and type of traveller. They may be geared towards business travellers with specific requirements or leisure travelers who prefer certain amenities and a particular view.
Some hotels have star ratings based on a standard set by tourism officials or hotel associations. Others assign their own ratings based on subjective factors. Many hotels charge a fee, which is often included in the overall cost of the stay, to gain access to facilities such as fitness centers, pools and high-speed internet.
A hotel can be owned and operated by a single company, or it may belong to a chain of hotels that are managed and sometimes even franchised to independent operators in different parts of the world. A hotel’s brand name may help to differentiate it in the market place.