So, where are you staying during your next vacation?
There was a time when tourists only had the option of staying in an expensive hotel or a low-key motel. Then came bed & breakfasts for middle class family who weren’t comfortable staying in motels and could not afford hotels. Today, tourists have different types of hotels that they could stay in; facilities that offer similar conveniences, service, and amenities like hotels and motels.
You could even rent a house from a perfect stranger for your trip to Florida or Rome. Here are the eight types of hotels that are available to tourists today:
1. Budget & Boutique Hotels
Budget and Boutique hotels are located in almost every city and they offer the cheapest rates. Most are located at convenient locations and many offer free breakfast. However, the one downside to these budget hotels is that the amenities and services they offer are minimal. For example, it is very unlikely that a budget hotel will offer a free ride to and from the airport. These hotels also tend to charge for services like Internet, local calls, etc.
2. Bed and Breakfast Hotels
Bed and Breakfast were once a European feature, but today many small towns in the United States and Canada also offer bed and breakfast. Unlike a hotel, the atmosphere at a genuine B&B is more like a home. Many B&Bs are located in historic places and scenic locations. The downside is that most have minimal amenities and services. However, if you’re looking for something nice and homely, and secure without any risk of a shady crowd, a bed & breakfast is a good option for you.
3. Business Hotels
Business hotels are located near airports, and convention centers and in city centers. These business hotels offer a wide range of services and provide many amenities. However, the cost to stay at these hotels can be quite high. They do offer convenience and other perks such as a shuttle to take you to the airport, indoor gym and a decent meal. There is no doubt that if you have the budget, business hotels like the Marriott or the Holiday Inn are your best option.
4. Family Resorts
The classic example of family resorts are the Disney and Universal Studios hotels. These family resorts offer everything that one can possibly want. In many cases, if there is something special that you need, the resort will have it delivered at no cost. These resorts also offer many dining options. Family resorts are great if you have children. The only downside is the cost -which can easily run into 4 figures for a few days. Again, if you can afford it, this is a great option. Many families save up and plan a trip to a family resort once a year or once in two years.
5. Beach Resorts
These days there are all-inclusive beach resorts found in Florida, California, Mexico, and the Caribbean. These beach resorts are suitable for the family and the cost depends on what you are looking for. There are high-end beach resorts which offer golf courses, spa treatments, exotic entertainment, and lavish meals, while there are other beach inns that would give you a basic room but nothing fancy.
But a good beach resort would offer an all-inclusive package deals that would include your meals, stay and the airfare. If you are looking to travel from the cold and enjoy the sun, a beach resort is highly recommended as most are located next to a beach and have many water-related activities.
6. Airbnb
All tourists know about Airbnb these days. This is an online platform that provides a list of accommodation available in all major cities around the world. These places are not hotels or even motels. They are usually someone’s home but which they rent out either because they have extra space, or because they are traveling etc. Some offer the entire house; some offer a floor; while others offer a single room.
Depending on the type of accommodation you need, one can find a wide variety of options on the Airbnb website. Almost every country now has Airbnb services. Airbnb facilities offer almost all amenities as a hotel but at a lower price; most are in convenient locations and the options are immense. You can even check the place on the website before you rent it.
Before you travel anywhere, it is highly recommended that you check out the Airbnb website where you can read reviews from other tourists who have stayed at that place.
7. Hostels
This is another very economical and easy option if you’re looking for decent accommodation while traveling. Hostels are very budget-friendly; are generally clean with an efficient staff and can provide you significant comfort at a great price. They are not as fancy as hotels but if your goal is to see the place you’re visiting, rather then sleep in a fancy bed, a hostel might be the right option for you.
8. Farmstays
This is another adventurous option for people who are not scared of being creative. Most farmhouses are very family-oriented and you can get a real feeling of the outdoors and nature if you stay in a place like this.
So, where are you staying during your next family vacation, business trip, or journey across North America and Europe? You have more options than ever before, whether it is a hotel room or a room in somebody’s house.