The relationship between traveling and hotels dates back centuries. It reached a fever pitch after World War II, as post-war economic growth pushed commercial travel to new heights. This, in turn, caused the hotel industry to grow to unprecedented proportions, and it also became an important battleground on the domestic political scene. Today, hotels still play an essential role in connecting people and places. The relationship between traveling and hotels has evolved through time, but the two have a long history of mutual dependence.
Cost of hotel stays
If you’re planning a vacation, you should always consider the cost of a hotel stay. It accounts for nearly 20% of travel spending for American travelers. But there are ways to cut costs on hotel stays. You can use online travel sites and hotel price comparisons to find cheap hotel rooms. You can also book directly on hotel brand websites to get discounts. And if you’re an AAA member, you can get an additional discount on your hotel room.
Travelling during low or shoulder seasons can help you cut hotel costs. For example, you’ll find lower rates at Disney World hotels in January and February. Or you can choose to visit during the second week of September when the park is not as busy.
Cancellation policies
Cancellation policies vary from hotel to hotel, but most require 24 hours’ notice before arrival. However, some hotels offer a longer grace period for cancellations. During the COVID-19 virus outbreak, which caused mass disruption around the globe, hotels began to change their cancellation policies. Since then, they have mostly reverted to pre-COVID policies. However, some hotels are looking to be more flexible going forward. For example, many North American hotels offer the ability to change your booking free of charge. In some cases, they will even offer a credit voucher that can be used within 18 months at the same hotel.
For travelers who book directly with hotel chains, cancellation policies can vary. For example, in the case of Hopper, you’ll need to call customer service to cancel your reservation, and for other travel sites, you’ll need to use the Cancel Booking option. Sometimes, the cancellation process will require you to fill out a cancellation form in order to cancel.
Location
Location is one of the most important factors to consider when traveling and booking hotels. In fact, the location of a hotel is closely tied to various activities that can be done in the area. Every traveller has his/her own reference point while traveling, so it is essential to choose a hotel that is located near the activities that he/she will be enjoying.
Alternative accommodations
Alternative accommodations are becoming more popular in recent years, as travelers look to try out new experiences. While staying in a hotel or resort is nice, there are also many benefits of staying in a different environment. For example, alternative accommodations can provide a more authentic local experience, as well as personalized service and privacy.
The growth of alternative accommodations is not a passing fad. As a result, leading hotel brands are entering this segment. While the industry is still unorganized in India, there are a few major branded players. The IHCL group, for example, recently introduced its ama Stays & Trails brand as a way to expand into the homestay space. Its portfolio of homestays now spans 80 properties in 40 destinations. Other global hotel companies are also moving into the vacation rental space and are preparing to expand in India.