Traveling and hotels are interconnected and play a vital role in the travel industry. Almost everyone who makes the choice to travel will need to spend some time in accommodation, whether for business reasons or for pleasure. The type of accommodation required can vary considerably depending on the length of stay, the purpose of the trip, the budget that one is operating within and the experience that one wishes to gain from the journey.
Typically, hotels are geared towards two groups of travellers: those who need to be away from their home for work purposes and those who are primarily travelling for pleasure and need somewhere comfortable to stay in between trips to local attractions and other things that they want to do during the holiday period. Generally, hotel accommodation includes access to beds in private rooms, which are often located within buildings and which have additional facilities.
Other types of hotel accommodation include motels, which are generally found along routes and that cater mainly to motorists; bed and breakfast (B&Bs), which may be converted family homes with rooms for guests; and hostels, which offer dormitory-style beds and usually have shared facilities. Some hotels also provide access to a range of services for their guests, such as beauty and massage facilities, fitness rooms and a swimming pool.
Hotel accommodation is often expensive and it is important to work out whether it is worth paying more for a room that is in an ideal location, has all the amenities that you want or is part of a brand with a good reputation. Many people choose to stay in hotels that have loyalty programs because this means they can earn points toward future stays or free nights.
Taking the time to think about the best hotel for your needs will ensure that you get the most out of your trip and enjoy it to the fullest. If you are traveling for work it is also a good idea to consider the benefits that taking vacation days can bring, such as reducing stress levels and helping you feel more productive when you return to the office.
Another consideration when choosing a hotel is the environmental impact. According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism accounts for 8% of the world’s carbon footprint and this can be caused by various activities including plane flights, accommodation, souvenirs and other purchases. Each guest staying in a hotel contributes between 10 and 102 kilograms of carbon dioxide per night, so it is important to choose a hotel that has low environmental impacts.
There are a number of ways to research the best hotel for your needs, and some booking sites allow you to move around on a map to find a hotel that meets your criteria. The map feature is particularly useful if you know exactly what you are looking for, such as being close to public transportation or having a hotel with access to free wifi. You should also consider what other amenities are important to you, such as having a restaurant on the premises or whether you need a parking space.