The travel industry covers all aspects of moving people from one location to another, and has a strong relationship with hotels. Generally speaking, most people who take long-distance trips will need to stay overnight in some kind of accommodation. Hotels are the most common form of lodging for travelers, and there are many different types of hotels to suit various tastes, budgets and other requirements.
There are hotel chains that focus on luxury, like the Ritz Carlton and St. Regis, sleek urban options like JW Marriott and W Hotels, tried-and-true standards like Westin and Sheraton, and even extended-stay options like SpringHill Suites and Residence Inn. Some hotels may offer special rates only when booked through their own website, while others are willing to match prices found on booking consolidator sites like Kayak and Travelocity.
Most hotel rates are influenced by seasonality, with certain destinations experiencing higher demand for stays during particular times of the year. Hotel prices are also often influenced by their proximity to popular attractions, and the availability of nearby airports.
Travelers often have the option to purchase meals and drinks at their hotel, while some hotels offer room service. The quality of food and other services at a hotel will usually be reflected in the star rating it receives from a regulating body. Some of these bodies are government-related, while others are independent organizations. Regardless, these ratings are generally considered to be objective and trustworthy. However, it is important to note that a hotel’s brand name does not necessarily imply ownership and/or management of the specific property, as many hotel chains use franchising in order to maintain their brand identity.