The Business of a Hotel
A hotel is a commercial establishment that offers accommodation, food and drink, and other facilities to bona fide travellers and visitors on a commercial basis. According to British law, a hotel can also be a place where people receive services like shelter and refreshment on a charitable basis. The business of a hotel has two primary functions - creating customers and generating revenue. In a typical large hotel, there are several departments that play an important role in this. These departments are known as either revenue earning or support departments. Revenue earning departments directly generate income for the hotel and include front office, food and beverage, and hotel operated shops. The support departments contribute to the hotel's revenue generation through indirect channels.The largest source of income for a hotel is its room division. It comprises all departments involved in preparing and selling hotel rooms. It is headed by the room division manager to whom the front office and executive housekeeping report. Rooms are the most important product of a hotel and make up at least 50 percent of the total revenue of the hotel. The other major departments that contribute to the profit of a hotel are restaurant and housekeeping.In terms of rooms, a suite is generally considered to be the highest class of hotel room available. It is often a large room with clearly defined sleeping and living areas. It is usually aimed at the affluent traveller who can afford its high cost. It usually includes a private bathroom with a tub and shower, a kitchen, and a dining room and may have a balcony or veranda.A hotel that focuses on catering to business travellers is called a business hotel. These hotels have a dedicated area for meetings, seminars, and conferences. They also offer internet connectivity, banqueting facilities, and other business-related amenities. They are usually located near the business center and the railway station. Some even have their own gym.Hotel chains that focus on luxury and the elite traveller are known as boutique hotels. They are usually smaller than a traditional hotel and offer more personalized service. They may have their own restaurants, bars, and spas and are staffed with concierges and other professionals to cater to the needs of the guests.The term'motel' is an amalgamation of the words motor and hotel. It refers to a type of hotel that was first popularized in the United States as a result of the increased popularity of automobile travel. Motels are typically situated along highways and offer modest lodgings to highway travelers. They are often located a short distance from tourist attractions and shopping centers.The hospitality industry has been undergoing radical changes in the past few years. With the increase in technological advancements, the way in which a hotel is managed has changed significantly. In addition, there has been a shift in the type of guests that are staying in hotels and resorts. This has made the hospitality industry more complex.