Traveling and hotels are a huge part of the hospitality industry. While cost and location are important factors for many travellers, there are a wide range of other features that hotel guests look for in a great hotel. Whether it is a luxurious spa, long hot shower, the perfect view or reliable Wi-Fi access, hotel customers are looking for a great experience, and they want to be able to get the most out of their stay.
Hotels come in all shapes and sizes, from ultra-luxury options such as St. Regis and Ritz Carlton, to sleek urban destinations like Marriott and W Hotels, tried-and-true standard brands such as Westin and Sheraton and budget options including SpringHill Suites. The largest hotels offer a wide variety of amenities and services, from gourmet restaurants to fitness centers to free-standing spas.
In some countries and regions, hotels are regulated by government tourism authorities or hotel associations to ensure quality standards. In others, they compete on a global basis and use star ratings to help differentiate themselves from competitors. Many hotels also offer meal plans or provide restaurant recommendations to their guests.
Some hotels also provide shuttle transportation in vans or mini-buses to transport guests to and from nearby attractions, airport terminals, train stations or car rental office locations, as well as to and from local restaurants on request. Other amenities include swimming pools, beauty salons and fitness centres. In some hotels, check-in and checkout can be automated via kiosks in the lobby to reduce staffing costs and increase efficiency.
