Hotels and travel have been linked for centuries. After the Second World War, commercial travel and surging incomes pushed the hotel industry to boom. The interstate highway system and organized labor helped fuel this expansion. The industry soon became a vital link between different places and a domestic political battleground. Today, hotel rooms and restaurants are vital components of a successful travel experience.
Location
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a hotel is location. The hotel’s location will affect the activities that a traveler can participate in while in the area. Most of the time, travellers base their plans on the location of the hotel, which is why it is important to understand the local geography and how it relates to the hotel’s location.
Cancellation policy
Cancellation policies vary from one provider to another, and it is important to know what they are before booking. For example, some hotels may offer a free cancellation policy if you cancel a reservation more than seven days before your travel date. Others may have a stricter cancellation policy that will apply to you.
Alternative accommodations
Choosing to stay in a private home or apartment is a popular alternative to hotels. This type of accommodation offers more space, full kitchens, and a more home-like atmosphere. As a bonus, they can be as much as 15 percent cheaper than comparable hotels.
Booking in advance
Booking hotels in advance is one of the best ways to save money on your hotel stay. Booking ahead of time will ensure that you get the exact room you want, and it will also allow you more time to plan your itinerary. For example, if you’re traveling to San Diego in the summer, you may want to make sure that you can visit the Gaslamp Quarter.
COVID-19 pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected travel and the hospitality industry in many countries around the world. In the US alone, COVID-19 has caused a drop in daily air passenger numbers of nearly 96 percent, and hotel occupancy rates have decreased by 64 percent. These effects have affected businesses in these industries due to decreased customers and increased costs.
Cost
As the summer months approach, the cost of traveling and hotels is rising, due to a combination of higher labor and supply costs and a rise in consumer demand. In March alone, travel prices and hotel rates increased by 11.7 percent, and even budget hotels are seeing price hikes. This trend indicates that consumers are willing to pay more for a higher-quality travel experience.
Inclusion
Despite the success of the Americans with Disabilities Act, barriers to inclusion are still prevalent in air travel, hotels and restaurants. Though the number of barriers has declined since the study was published in 2002, companies must still take steps to improve their accessibility. To do so, they must understand the needs of their customer base and implement brand strategies that are inclusive.