A hotel is a place that offers paid overnight accommodations for travellers and tourists. Depending on the type of accommodation, it may also offer other facilities like restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and conference rooms. It is commonly known for its professional staff and quality service, making it one of the most popular types of lodging. The word hotel comes from the Latin for hospitium, which means “to receive guests” and refers to the practice of hosting people. Hotels come in different shapes and sizes, each providing a unique experience for travelers.
The word hotel has several synonyms including inn, guest house, and tavern. The word hotel is most common, however, as it suggests a more commodious establishment than the others. The term house is also used, which suggests a homelike atmosphere and old-fashioned ways, while inn implies comfort and luxury. A hotel can be a business or leisure property and can be located in cities, tourist attractions, or in rural areas.
Traditionally, hotels have served mainly transient guests, but the rise of international hotel chains has changed this. Some hotels are owned by one company and managed as a unit, while others are owned by private individuals and operated independently. Some are luxury hotels, while others are budget hotels. Some are small and intimate, while others are large and feature the latest technology.
Departments in a hotel are generally divided into two categories: revenue earning departments and support departments. Revenue earning departments are those that directly generate revenue for the hotel, such as front office and food and beverage operations. The revenue generated from room sales is usually the largest source of income for a hotel. Support departments help to generate revenue by assisting the revenue earning departments. These include finance, accounting, purchasing, and human resources.
A hotel’s organization structure is the formal way it distributes responsibilities and authority among its management team and employees. This helps the hotel to carry out its vision, mission, objectives and goals. Ideally, the structure is designed to allow the various departments to work together to serve the customer.
Another important factor in the success of a hotel is its ability to market itself. This includes advertising, getting MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) business, and doing research.
The term “hotel” can be a confusing one for those who are not familiar with the industry. The main difference between a hotel and resort is that hotels are classified as transient accommodation, while resorts are considered residential.
When choosing the right accommodation for your holiday, it is important to understand these differences so that you can make an informed decision. This will ensure that you have a stress-free and enjoyable stay.
