Traveling and hotels are a big part of the global economy. People spend money on flights, accommodations and other travel-related costs, even in tough times, as they prioritize experiences over material goods. This is a good sign for the industry, especially since hotel occupancy is up and corporate bookings are on the rise.

There are many things to consider when selecting a hotel for a trip, such as how long you’ll stay, what kind of amenities you want, and the price range. It’s also important to look for reviews and photos, which can help narrow down your options. You should also check whether the hotel offers a rewards program, as this can make it cheaper to book with them.

Hotels may be rated by various organizations, such as an independent rating agency or a hotel association, or they may self-rate themselves using a scale of stars (e.g., five-stars). In some cases, a hotel’s own ratings might be slightly different from those of other rating agencies or from package tour companies. This difference is sometimes a matter of pride, with some hotels boasting about having more or less than others, or a result of a more subjective approach to star rating, such as in the case of luxury hotels where a higher number of stars is seen as a mark of distinction.

Hotel amenities can vary widely from one property to the next, with luxury properties offering more on-site facilities like spas and pools. A high-end property might include complimentary cosmetics branded with an upscale name, while a mid-range or budget hotel might provide only basic toiletries. Some hotels also offer additional services such as laundry, a concierge, and room service.

Some hotels cater to a particular type of traveller, such as business travelers. These are usually located in the city centre or near other places a business traveller might need to be, such as conference centres. They are often equipped with meeting rooms and business centres, and have facilities such as internet access, fax machines, and printers. In addition, they might provide free breakfasts, lunches, or other amenities for business travellers.

Other hotels may be geared toward leisure travellers or families. These are usually in areas regarded as tourist attractions and have facilities such as swimming pools, restaurants, and entertainment. They may also offer child-friendly activities or family-oriented amenities such as babysitting services.

For longer stays, it’s often more practical to rent an apartment or home rather than staying at a hotel. This is especially true in countries where hotel prices are expensive, as these types of accommodation tend to be more affordable and have kitchens, which allow guests to save money by cooking their own meals. They are also typically more spacious, and can accommodate more people than a hotel room.

If you’re staying in a poorer country, try to avoid international hotel chains and instead look for locally-owned hotels. This will ensure that the money you’re paying for your stay is staying in the local economy, instead of being transferred abroad to a multinational company.