Traveling and hotels are closely associated because most people travelling long distances to a destination will need some form of accommodation for the night(s) whilst they are there. Hoteliers offer beds within private rooms, often with en suite bathrooms and additional facilities. A hotel’s services may also be extended to provide food and drink to guests – a concept referred to as room service.
Various types of hotels exist to suit differing needs and budgets, with star ratings indicating quality levels and sometimes dictating prices. Some hotels, especially those catering to business travellers, are located close to airports, and offer special rates for such patrons. Hotels may also provide special rooms for honeymoon and wedding travellers.
Boutique hotels are usually highly design-driven properties with a specific theme or style. They may be independent or may be part of a hotel chain. They can be trendy, luxurious or even quirky. A boutique hotel typically has a smaller number of rooms and may offer more personal touches than larger chain hotels.
Online booking is now commonplace for travellers and a range of websites and apps are available to facilitate it. OTAs (online travel agencies) offer a range of rates which can vary significantly, and many have specific deals for certain locations or periods. In addition, a number of niche OTAs exist, providing the kind of services sought by particular audiences and travel requirements. These include OTAs for skiers, campers or glampers, luxury travelers and adventure travellers.