Traveling is about discovering new places and experiences, and a key part of your travel experience is your hotel. Whether you’re a budget backpacker, a luxury seeker or somewhere in between, finding the right hotel can make all the difference. The best hotels can provide a home away from home, or an exotic escape with all the bells and whistles. But how do you know which one is the right choice for you?
The travel and tourism industry is undergoing unprecedented change. It’s being shaped by trends such as globalization, digitalization and sustainability, as well as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on consumer interest in travel.
AHLA supports policies that promote travel to and within the United States, such as temporary travel and payroll tax credits to encourage business and leisure travel, and funding for domestic travel promotion. The industry generates $2.3 trillion in economic output annually, or about 1 in 9 jobs. That makes it an important contributor to our country’s economy, and we need to continue supporting it as it recovers from the effects of the virus.
If you’re planning a trip, look for a hotel that offers the amenities and services you’ll use most. For example, if you’re travelling with kids, consider the size of the room and whether it has an in-room fridge or microwave to store and heat food. It’s also worth checking if the hotel has baby cribs or other equipment for infants.
Another thing to check is what fees the hotel charges – including any resort or amenity fees. These are extra charges that some high-end hotels charge for using their facilities or amenities, and they’re often not included in the quoted room rate. Be sure to ask before you book, and consider booking through third-party websites that don’t include these extra charges in their prices.
Aside from comfort, you may want to choose a hotel that’s near the attractions you’re going to see during your trip. Then, you can plan your sightseeing schedule around your hotel stay and save money on transportation costs. However, you should remember that many hotels advertise their location close to certain tourist attractions, but they’re actually farther from them than you think when viewed on an actual map.
When choosing a hotel, read reviews from other travelers. These can give you insight into the experience of other guests, and can help you make a more informed decision. For example, reading about how helpful the staff was can be a great way to gauge the quality of service that you will receive during your stay. It’s also a good idea to check what amenities the hotel has, as this can also help you narrow down your options. For example, some hotels offer free items such as Woolite, hairspray, deodorant, straighteners and curling irons, and even tea kettles and yoga mats. These are great perks to have, especially if you forgot to pack something or just don’t have space in your luggage!