A hotel is a type of accommodation which provides rooms and services for travellers. Guests are given food and beverage services, sleeping accommodations and often other facilities such as a pool or a gym. In addition, hotel staff will also provide services such as concierge, housekeeping and laundry to their guests. Hotels may be small or large and are often found in busy tourist areas.
The hospitality industry is one of the largest employers worldwide. It is also an important source of income for local economies and communities. Thousands of jobs are generated by the industry directly, and many more are created in the industries that supply the goods and services to hotels. For example, construction workers are needed to build and modernize hotels, and furniture, supplies and equipment are supplied by a wide range of manufacturers. Hotels are also major buyers of food and drink, and energy and water.
Both hotels and motels employ a variety of employees, but the staff in larger hotels is usually more extensive. A hotel employee may be a receptionist, concierge, bellhop, chef, maid or housekeeper, or a manager. Smaller hotels may employ fewer employees, or the duties of some of these positions may be combined. For instance, a hotel may have a receptionist and a concierge who are also responsible for room service and the onsite restaurant.
Typically, a hotel will have an organizational chart that establishes the level of management and hierarchy. This structure varies by hotel size and function, as determined by the owners or managing companies. Generally, the hotel will have a general manager who serves as the chief executive officer, department heads who oversee the operations of their respective departments, and lower-level managers and employees.
If you are thinking about booking a stay at a particular hotel, be sure to read the reviews posted online before making your decision. These reviews can provide valuable insight into a hotel’s customer service, amenities and overall experience. Reviews can help you decide whether a hotel is right for your specific travel needs and budget, or whether it would be more appropriate to book at another property.
While reading hotel reviews, pay attention to how the hotel addresses any issues raised by guests. If a guest raises a valid complaint and the hotel responds with a sincere apology and offers to make the situation right, this is a positive sign that the hotel cares about its customers and strives to offer them an excellent stay. Likewise, if the hotel responds with an aggressive argument or accusation, this is a red flag that it does not take complaints seriously. In either case, you should avoid booking at a hotel with this type of negative behavior.
