After World War II, the American hotel industry expanded at a rate never before experienced. A three-decade economic boom increased commercial travel and soared incomes. The success of organized labor also helped the industry, as paid vacations became a reality for millions of people. New types of hotels emerged, including motor hotels, which incorporated parking facilities.
There are many types of hotels, including motels, inns, and bed and breakfasts. Each type has its own unique advantages. Inns are usually older buildings located along highways or in rural areas. Inns generally have fewer amenities than hotels. Motels are generally larger and may feature kitchenettes and on-site pools. Some motels even have connecting rooms.
Hotels are currently testing new methods of customer experience and figuring out what works best for their specific customers. While the recovery process will differ from hotel to hotel, there are some general guidelines for hotels to follow. First, they must care for employees and customers. Second, they must be ready to respond to health and safety concerns. Third, they must review their commercial strategies for restarting their operations.
Hotels are a core component of tourism. The UNWTO defines tourism as any activity where people stay overnight in a location other than their usual place of residence. Hotels come in all shapes and sizes and offer many services. The aim of the hotel owner is to attract a certain type of customer. In addition to allowing guests to make use of various services, hotels also offer entertainment. Some even have theaters or casino areas.
Motels are another great option for travelers on a tight budget. Many offer continental breakfast, which allows travelers to enjoy a full meal before heading out for the day. These hotels are typically one or two stories tall and extend lengthwise instead of height. There are often parking facilities outside the motel doors, so motorists can easily find a place to park their car.
After World War I, hotels grew in size, but this trend was temporary. The Stevens Hotel in Chicago opened with 3,000 rooms and held the title of world’s largest hotel until the late 1960s. Another prominent hotelier of this period, E. M. Statler, began a chain of hotels in 1908, and his philosophy of cost cutting led to the development of hotel chains.
Many hotels are chained, and have thousands of properties worldwide. In addition to being owned by a company, these hotels often feature uniform design and amenities. Several of the world’s most popular chain hotels include the Hilton, Marriott, and Courtyard. There are also several independent hotels. The differences between these two types of hotels are reflected in their amenities and the number of locations.
The term motel was first used to refer to a hotel near a highway, and the rooms often faced the parking lot. Over time, motels evolved to cater to travelers on long road trips, and are often located near highways. They offer basic amenities, but are smaller than standard hotels.
