Traveling and hotels are a big part of the tourism industry. It’s a multibillion-dollar field that includes hotel, airlines, cruise lines, theme parks and other hospitality businesses. Whether you’re traveling for work or leisure, there are many ways to find the best value when booking a hotel.
First, decide what’s important to you. If comfort is key, for example, you may want to book a luxury resort or a five-star hotel. On the other hand, if convenience is important, then it’s likely you will book a hotel in a central location.
The next step is to choose a budget and figure out what amenities are most important to you. For example, if you need access to Wi-Fi, you should make sure that is included in your reservation and that it’s free and unlimited. Also, if you have mobility issues, it’s important to look for a hotel that offers accessible rooms and amenities.
It’s important to check the hotel’s reviews and descriptions carefully. In some cases, the hotel’s description or photos may be misleading and misrepresent the quality of the room you will receive. Often, third-party websites will provide a more accurate depiction of the room and its amenities. If you’re not happy with the pictures or description, move on to another hotel or find a different room type.
Finally, consider the location of the hotel in relation to your desired sightseeing locations. For example, if you’re going to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, it would be better to stay in a hotel that is close to these attractions than one that is 50 minutes away. This is especially true during peak tourist seasons.
When choosing a hotel, you should always take into account the cost of transportation to and from the hotel. This can add up quickly if you’re staying in an expensive city. If you can, try to book a hotel that is within walking distance of the main sights, or that offers a complimentary shuttle service.
In addition, if you’re planning to dine at the hotel, you should ensure that it has a variety of dining options available. You don’t want to end up stuck with a bland, low-quality meal.
Lastly, be aware of the additional fees that hotels often charge. These include parking, internet access and airport shuttles. Often, these fees aren’t advertised on the hotel website and can be quite shocking when you arrive.
The travel and tourism industry is a powerful economic force, creating jobs across all sectors of the economy and supporting millions of Americans. Despite being hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, this sector is gradually recovering and regaining momentum. In order to support a strong travel and tourism industry, it’s essential to focus on policy initiatives that help drive growth and innovation.
James Ian has traveled to 82 countries and all 7 continents, and is passionate about experiential travel (travel that allows for authentic interactions with local culture and natural environment) as well as sustainable travel practices.