When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to confuse the two most common types of accommodation: Hostels and Guesthouses. These terms are not mutually exclusive. However, they have differences. When deciding on where to stay, make sure to consider the benefits and disadvantages of each type. Here are some tips to make your hotel search go as smoothly as possible. And don’t forget to check reviews on Guesthouses and Bed and Breakfasts!
Guesthouses
While staying in a hotel can be convenient, there are a few things to consider when traveling and booking hotels: the location and cost of a guesthouse. While chain hotels are generally more expensive, guest houses are typically less commercial and run on a more personal level. Guest houses may even include amenities such as a restaurant, lounge, billiards, and laundry. Unlike chain hotels, guest houses are often family-run and may be run by the owners themselves. You’ll find a homey feeling in a guesthouse, with no formal rules and a personal touch. Even the food is usually fresh, and often comes from the kitchen.
Bed and Breakfasts
In addition to the unique atmosphere, many bed and breakfasts offer activities for guests. They may have cooking classes, wine tastings, city walks, bicycle rentals, and on-site parking. If you’re traveling to a mountain town, bed and breakfasts might offer cabins with mountain views and access to hiking trails and water sports equipment. In addition, some bed and breakfasts are open seasonally, making them the perfect place to experience slow tourism during the off-season.
Hotels
With the COVID-19 virus on the rise, the travel industry is in crisis mode. Checkpoint lines are getting longer and hotel chains are reporting near-capacity bookings. To learn how hotel chains are responding, Stacker researched data from YouGov on hotel loyalty. They broke down results by generation and age group to discover the underlying cause for the trend. To maximize hotel discounts and save money, consider getting a hotel loyalty card.
Hostels
When you are traveling on a budget, there are many different types of hostels that you can stay in while you’re away. The best way to choose a hostel is by reading reviews and browsing the website. While consumers often write reviews of their experiences with hostels, professional reviews can provide a more objective viewpoint and more information about the facilities provided. To ensure a good experience, book only one night at a hostel and check out the next day. If you have a wonderful time, you may want to extend your stay.
Hotel employees
The hospitality industry is experiencing a shortage of labor. A pandemic that has left many people unable to work has also resulted in a high number of job layoffs. As a result, hoteliers are struggling to fill vacant positions during high travel season. According to the American Hotel & Lodging Association, a recent survey found that 97% of hoteliers are understaffed, and 49% are severely understaffed. Because of this labor shortage, hotel employees are in high demand, but the service industry has a labor market that favors employers and gives workers negotiating power.
Booking in advance
If you plan to stay in a hotel while you’re traveling, booking a room in advance is a great way to guarantee availability and a low price. Booking early gives you time to research the different hotels available in the area and compare rates. This also ensures you’ll get the room of your choice. You can also reserve a room for your family or friends if you’re traveling with children. When you book your hotel in advance, you’ll save time and stress once you arrive.
Last-minute consolidators
The future of last-minute consolidators for travel and hotels is unclear, though. The industry is crowded with shady actors, and some are unsure of their Web presence. Travac, for instance, suddenly shut down without warning at the end of 2002. The receptionist at the office was left wondering what to do when she walked in to an empty building on Jan. 1, 2003. In the aftermath, the company reopened with a much different name and a new Web presence.