Traveling is exciting and marks the start of a new adventure, but choosing the right hotel can be daunting with so many options. The best way to select a hotel that will make you feel like home is to know what factors are important to you. Are you looking for luxury and amenities or a place that has character and charm? Is location a priority?
Traveling and hotels create a thriving economic sector that provides jobs for 8.6 million Americans. In addition, the industry generates more than $248 billion in wages and $157 billion in federal, state and local tax revenues.
The industry faces challenges, however, as travelers seek experiences that are less expensive than traditional hotel stays. Travelers are looking for value in a way that has not always been the case in the past, says Sachin Avadhani and Michael Selinger, EY’s hospitality sector leaders. As a result, more travelers are expected to choose to stay at home this summer and others are increasing their budgets to offset rising costs.
While traveler intent to travel has risen since the pandemic, the number of travelers who plan to take a vacation this year is expected to be lower than last summer. A combination of factors is behind this trend, including high airfares and hotel rates, a desire for spontaneity and a desire to connect with local culture.
One factor is a rise in interest in experiential travel, which includes events, festivals and activities that connect people with their environment and culture. In an effort to attract more travelers, hotels are increasing their offerings in this area. Some are even partnering with companies that offer immersive cultural activities to provide an all-encompassing experience for their guests.
Whether you’re staying for business or pleasure, knowing your preferences is key when selecting a hotel. For instance, if you’re traveling for work, you may want to stay somewhere with a meeting room or free Wi-Fi access. You’ll also want to find out if the hotel offers discounted corporate rates or other services that are specifically tailored to business travelers.
Another consideration when choosing a hotel is its safety features. Check to see if the hotel has cameras throughout the property and what types of security measures are in place. You should also be sure to find out if the hotel has an emergency response system in place that will notify you in case of an incident.
If you’re planning to use a guidebook to pick your hotel, it’s important to understand that they are limited in their selections and often do not include all of the available options. Luckily, there are several online resources that can help you narrow down your choices. For example, sites such as TripAdvisor and Priceline offer multiple options for flights, hotels, cruises and rental cars. By allowing you to compare different options, they’ll ensure that you get the best possible deal for your money. With the help of these tools, you can be certain that your next trip will be everything you imagined and more.