Traveling and hotels are the business of providing accommodation to travellers or visitors to a place. They may range from simple beds in a room, to full-service facilities such as restaurants and meeting rooms. In addition, some offer recreation and leisure activities such as a gym or pool. A hotel may also act as a venue for social events and wedding receptions.
A hotel’s prices are usually based on its location, with affluent locations and hotels offering higher-end services commanding more expensive rates than less prestigious or upscale properties in poorer areas. They are also often based on the season, with hotels in resort destinations generally charging more during high-season when tourism is at its peak.
Most hotels have a standard rate advertised in public spaces and displayed on hotel websites, that is called the rack rate. This is typically the highest price for a room, though there will likely be discounts available when booking in advance.
In the modern age, online reservation sites such as Expedia have made booking a stay in a hotel much easier and more convenient. These sites allow users to book flights, hotels, cars and even cruises as well as packages that combine multiple of these elements.
In addition, Airbnb and similar lodging rental sites have sprung up as an alternative to traditional hotels. These options are typically geared towards two groups of travelers: business travellers who will be away from home for extended periods and do not fully relocate to the destination, and vacationers who choose to base themselves at one property and cater for themselves partially or entirely.