Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, a hotel can make or break your trip. They are often located near major landmarks and tourist attractions, and can be a great way to save time and money. They are also beneficial for people with special needs, as they typically offer a range of amenities.
Besides providing a place to sleep, hotels offer a variety of other services, from free wi-fi to meeting rooms. Some hotels even have rewards programs, which allow guests to earn points that can be redeemed for travel discounts.
The hotel industry has exploded at a rate never seen before, and has become a major contributor to America’s postwar economic recovery. It also served as a vital bridge between cities, towns, and regions.
In addition to its role as a vital link between people and places, hotels have played an important role in domestic politics. Their success fueled a three-decade economic boom that sent incomes skyrocketing.
The hotel industry has also been a hot-button issue in international politics. The proliferation of organized labor allowed millions of Americans to take paid vacations. This increased travel, and made it possible for hotels to serve as essential links between destinations.
In addition to the postwar economic expansion, the development of the interstate highway system also contributed to the hotel industry’s growth. The result was a spike in commercial travel, which turned hotels into important battlegrounds in the domestic political sphere.