Whether traveling for business or pleasure, the hotel industry is an important part of your travel experience. Hotels offer overnight stays for a fee. Some offer other amenities, such as a fitness room, swimming pool, and meeting rooms. Some hotels offer free wifi and parking. Hotels also may provide fax and copy services.
Hotels are also a good way to save money on your travels. Many hotels offer special industry rates for employees and family members. You may even be able to find a deal on an all-inclusive package.
Many travelers are willing to pay a little extra to enjoy a good experience. The hotel industry has been around for centuries. Many hotels have been converted into public assembly sites, decorative showcases, and business exchanges. Hotels have served as public meeting places and have been a vital link between people and places.
The hotel industry grew in the United States after World War II. The postwar economic boom sent incomes skyrocketing. Increased demand fueled a hotel building boom. The interstate highway system also helped fuel the travel boom.
Hotel prices continue to rise. In recent years, prices have increased by more than 11 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The hotel industry also benefits from rising labor costs. Many hotels have flexible cancellation policies, so travelers can cancel their reservations up to 72 hours before their departure.
Travelers should make sure to compare hotel rates before booking. Prices are not always the same across hotels, and the location of the hotel will affect the price. Hotels in popular tourist regions raise prices during the peak season.