Traveling and hotels is an area of the tourism industry concerned with accommodation for travellers and tourists. It is often associated with the hospitality industry, but it also has elements of both the aviation and transport industries. In the simplest of terms, hotels are usually geared toward one of two groups of travellers; those who require a more rugged range of conveniences and necessities as part of their work-related activities, and those who want to spend vacation time away from home but who do not need to completely relocate from their permanent residence.
Hotels can either be owned and operated by the hotels themselves, or by hotel chain operators, and sometimes by a combination of both. The distinction between these two types of hotels may be reflected in the branding used by each, and the degree to which each brand is able to provide consistent service across all its properties.
The services that hotels offer typically include a place to stay overnight, with varying amenities depending on the type of property and its star rating. The range of amenities is often a significant factor in the price of staying at the hotel, and the star rating is partly based on that, with some hotels offering more features than others.
Other forms of lodging can include renting apartments or homes through online rental agencies, such as Airbnb, or renting private rooms in people’s homes via websites such as HomeAway. Camping is another form of overnight accommodation that can be arranged through commercial campsites or by staying in public places, such as national parks.