Traveling is one of the best ways to see the world, explore new places and learn about different cultures. But traveling requires you to plan your trip carefully, and find the right accommodations.
Hotels are the accommodation option for most people who want to travel, and they come in all price ranges – from cheap and basic, to luxury suites with round-the-clock staff, priced accordingly. Choosing the right hotel can make or break your trip, and finding the ideal one for you depends on what you need and what your budget is.
Star ratings may help, but they are often subjective and arbitrary. For example, a hotel with a high star rating might have no facilities at all or be run by someone who only wants to sell rooms and has no interest in customer service.
The hospitality industry has embraced the concept of boutique hotels to cater to a broader audience. These properties offer the same amenities as their chain-owned counterparts, but in a more intimate and exclusive setting; i.e., smaller spaces with a more personal feel to them, reminiscent of hotels from the past.
In the same way, hotel chains are introducing their “express” and “econo” marquees to compete with hotels that are not part of their main brand. These are aimed at the budget or economy limited service (ELS) market, and may be located in areas that do not have the amenities to support a full-service hotel.