A hotel is a commercial establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. Most hotels provide meals and beverages to their guests, as well as recreational amenities such as swimming pools and fitness centers. Hotels can be found in a wide range of sizes and types, from small boutique hotels to large resorts. They may also serve as conference centers and offer guest services such as concierge and room service. The coronavirus pandemic has impacted the hotel industry in various ways, with business trips and travel often being canceled due to concerns over health safety and uncertainty about the future.
The word “hotel” is derived from the French verb hôteller, which means “to inhabit” or “to stay”. It has been used to refer to the place where people are given lodging on a temporary basis since the 14th century. The spelling of the word varies from region to region, and it is pronounced HO-tel. In addition to hotels, the term can also be applied to hostels and motels, which are similar but aimed at different kinds of travelers.
Many hotels include a restaurant, and in some cases, these restaurants have their own bar and lounges. Some of these venues are located within the hotel, while others are situated nearby. Most hotels also have a directory of local restaurants that can be contacted by guests who wish to dine outside the hotel’s facilities.
Some hotels are built as a destination in themselves, such as casinos and holiday resorts, while others are built as an extension of another attraction, such as amusement parks or theme parks. Resort hotels typically feature a wide range of entertainment options, including live shows and themed activities, as well as high-end accommodations.
There are numerous types of hotel, with the majority falling into one of two categories: suite hotels and standard hotels. Suite hotels offer more spacious rooms than traditional hotels, and they may offer a separate living area, kitchen, or other amenities. Standard hotels have rooms that are generally smaller than those of a suite hotel, but they usually include the same amenities such as televisions and upholstered chairs.
Most hotels employ a large number of staff members, ranging from the general manager (known as the hotel owner or manager) to department heads and various management and administrative employees. Depending on the size and function of the hotel, these may include receptionists, concierges, chefs, housekeepers, bellhops, and parking valets.
For those interested in careers in the hotel industry, there are a number of hospitality programs available at colleges and universities across the United States. These programs can provide students with the skills and qualifications needed to enter a variety of positions within the hotel industry, from entry-level receptionists to hotel managers. Some schools offer hotel courses that can be taken online, which can be an efficient and convenient way to learn about the industry. Moreover, some of these courses can help students prepare for the National Certification Examination.
