Traveling and Hotels

Traveling and hotels provide accommodations, usually in private rooms, with prices ranging from basic bed and breakfast to luxury suites. Hotels have staff who cater to their guests, and also may provide restaurants and other facilities for conferences or other events. They are often found near airports or railway stations. Some hotels are also business centres, and have staff on hand to assist with work tasks that a travelling employee might need to complete.

Hotels often offer a variety of services to their guests, which can include spa and wellness facilities (such as gyms or pools), in-room massage, and beauty/hair salons. Some hotels have kitchenettes in each room, allowing travellers to cook for themselves at least partially during their stay. Other hotels have a restaurant on site, or can provide recommendations for nearby restaurants.

A hotel is generally considered to have a star rating, although this is not always clearly defined, and hotels may assign their own ratings at will. In many countries, star ratings are regulated by tourism officials or by hotel associations, so that they are somewhat objective. Hotels that choose to rate themselves on their own are often referred to as “boutique” hotels.

It is important to shop around when booking a hotel. Even if you have loyalty memberships with certain hotels, it is worth checking competitor rates on occasion to ensure you are getting the best deal. Another way to save money on hotels is by taking advantage of discounts that are offered to travel agents and other groups such as AARP or AAA.