The relationship between traveling and hotels has a long history. But after World War II, the hotel industry experienced a boom that was unprecedented. Boosted by postwar economic growth and the rise of organized labor, the hotel industry expanded to new heights, becoming a major domestic political battleground. Since then, hotels have remained essential to the development of travel, connecting people to activities and places.
In a recent survey, Westin Hotels and Resorts found that people were planning more trips this year than they did last year, but that they found travel to be a more stressful experience than business travel. “Travel is an experience that’s not always pleasant,” said Brian Povinelli, the senior vice president and global brand leader at Westin.
Before booking your trip, make sure you understand your hotel’s cancellation policy. While cancellation policies vary widely between companies, most hotels require at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel a reservation. However, if you need to cancel your stay a few days before, you may be able to get a partial refund. Another thing to consider is location. Often, location dictates which activities you’ll enjoy. For this reason, many travellers will plan their entire trip around their hotel.
Whether you plan to travel by car or on foot, it’s always better to make your hotel reservation in advance of your trip. Even the cheapest hotels tend to fill up quickly. It can be stressful and even dangerous to try to find a place to stay on your own in the middle of the night. Furthermore, if you’re traveling during the busiest travel periods, such as Christmas and peak summer, booking a room in advance can save you a significant amount of money. Using price comparison websites can also help you find the cheapest hotel options.