Hotel establishments have evolved over time from simple rest houses to large chains of hotels. Throughout history, people have stayed in hotels for business or pleasure, as well as for both purposes. In ancient Persia, hospitals were built at thermal baths and travelers could recuperate there. During the Middle Ages, various religious orders offered hospitality to travelers. During the twentieth century, many chain hotels were established, ranging in size from a few rooms to hundreds.
Today, hotels provide many basic services. For example, a studio room may feature a bed and a sofa-cushion. It may also feature cable TV and broadband Internet connectivity. Cabanas are usually located in an exterior area, away from the main hotel building and near the sea. Cabanas typically have no beds, but are often used for changing purposes. Depending on the size of the hotel, a suite may be one large room, or several smaller rooms.
After World War II, the American hotel industry expanded at an unprecedented rate. The economic boom sent incomes skyrocketing and helped the nation’s economy become more socially equitable. The success of organized labor shifted wealth around more evenly, and paid vacations were now commonplace. Throughout the 20th century, hotels became a crucial battleground in conflictual domestic politics. Despite this, the industry remains the backbone of American society. When it comes to history, it’s clear that American hotels have had a profound effect on our culture.
Despite the many benefits of being a hotel, there are some differences that separate a motel from a traditional one. The former offers lodging and meals to travelers, while the latter focuses on meals and entertainment. In other words, motels are simply different versions of hotels. In both cases, a motel is not a full-fledged hotel. And a motel is often not affiliated with a restaurant. This makes it easier to distinguish motels from hotels.
The evolution of transportation changed the hotel industry. The rise of the automobile reordered the nation’s transportation system, leading to the construction of large hotels. In the early twentieth century, the United States’ hotel industry was largely reliant on steam-driven and long-distance travel. As a result, the gradual transition to automobiles saw a massive transformation of the industry. As cars became more common, many hotels began to incorporate parking facilities. This new variant of the hotel industry was called the motor hotel, and was often built on inexpensive land.
In terms of size, cost, and complexity, hotels can fall into two main categories. Those offering a more basic service have fewer amenities and focus on a particular demographic. For example, a focus on business travelers might not have an on-site restaurant or other amenities. Other options are bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels. Depending on the size of the hotel, a focus on business traveler may not be an option. A focused service hotel may offer limited services, such as Internet access.
