What Is a Hotel?
The word hotel is probably one of the most familiar words in the hospitality industry, and it is understood to mean an establishment that provides overnight lodging for travelers. Hotels vary in size and can be independently owned or a part of a chain. Some offer a full range of amenities, while others focus on providing a basic service in a convenient location. Many hotels have restaurants, bars, swimming pools and other features to make traveling easy and comfortable.The term hotel has been in use for thousands of years. The earliest hotels were simply places where travellers could sleep for the night. They were often located near riverbanks or other water sources to allow guests to bathe and refresh themselves in the morning. The first modern hotels were developed in the mid-19th century, and they began to provide more comforts for travelers. The rooms in these hotels were more spacious and included services such as air conditioning, hot and cold water and a telephone. These early hotels are still being used today, but they have expanded to include more services and facilities.A hotel can be any type of building in which the public may, for a consideration, obtain sleeping accommodations. This includes inns, motels, tourist homes, tourist houses or courts, lodging houses, rooming houses, summer camps, apartment hotels and resort lodges and cabins. It also includes any establishment offering sleeping accommodations for less than 30 days, such as a public summer camp or a private vacation home.An alternative to a traditional hotel is a hostel. Hostels are typically budget-friendly and may be affiliated with a larger hotel or motel chain. The rooms in hostels are usually grouped together and accessed by shared entrances. Many hostels feature kitchen facilities that are available for guest use. Those looking for more luxury will find boutique hotels. These hotels are independent and feature a unique style that sets them apart from corporate chains that look the same in every city.There are also eco-friendly hotels, which have adopted green living practices to minimize their environmental impact. They often use recycled products and focus on energy saving, although the specifics can differ from hotel to hotel.Some hotels have a special theme that reflects their location or culture. These hotels may offer themed activities and events to complement the unique setting. They may also provide local art and antiques for sale in their restaurants, lobby or guest rooms.There are also hotels that offer temporary housing for people with disabilities, the elderly or other groups. These hotels are adapted to accommodate those with limited mobility and may have elevators, wide doors and other amenities. Some even have sensory rooms that are designed to be as welcoming as possible. In addition, there are hotels that cater to business travelers. These hotels usually have meeting spaces, high-speed internet and other business-related amenities. They may also offer a concierge and other services that are tailored to business needs.