Traveling and hotels are a big part of the travel experience, whether you’re a business traveler, a family on vacation or a backpacker seeking adventure. It’s hard to imagine a trip without a hotel room but there are alternatives, especially with the advent of Airbnb and other rental homes and apartments. The key is to understand your options and make the best choice for you.
When it comes to booking your hotel room, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making your decision. First, it’s important to know the difference between a hotel and a motel. Motels are typically found along highways and freeways while hotels are located in cities, metropolitan areas and tourist destinations. Hotels offer more amenities than motels, including internet access in rooms, pools and fitness centers.
Another factor to consider is the price of your hotel stay. Most hotels have a standard rate that is quoted at the front desk, which is known as the rack rate. However, many times hotels will discount their rates significantly if you book in advance. This is because hotels are interested in maximizing their occupancy.
It’s also important to understand how hotel ratings and star rankings are determined. Ratings are often based on criteria set by tourism officials, hotel associations or a combination of both. In addition, a hotel’s overall star rating may be influenced by the amount of amenities offered. There are a number of other factors that affect a hotel’s star ranking, but these can vary widely depending on the individual hotel.