Traveling and hotels are two related aspects of the hospitality industry. A hotel is a place for travellers to sleep, and many hotels have facilities such as restaurants and bars, as well as conference and event space. In addition, a hotel may provide services such as a concierge or front desk and may offer transport options such as shuttles to a local airport. Hotels are often operated by large international hospitality companies, but they can also be owned and operated independently. Rooms are usually booked (reserved) in advance of arrival. This can be done either directly with the hotel, or through intermediaries such as booking websites and travel agents. Hotels can be found in a wide range of sizes and price levels, from basic rooms to luxury suites.

The location of a hotel is important, especially for those travelling on business. Business travellers will usually need to be close to their offices or meeting venues, and a hotel in a central city or business district is ideal for this. Tourists, on the other hand, may prefer a more remote location to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In the past, it was common for hotels to be run by a single family or extended family with generations living together under one roof. This is still sometimes the case, but many hotel chains now use professional management teams to operate their hotels. This allows the chain to focus on its marketing and brand development efforts, while maintaining a high standard of service throughout its properties.

Many hotels have a wellness, fitness or spa area with various facilities, including a gym, swimming pool and massage/therapy rooms. Some have a sauna, and some will have beauty salons or barber shops. Some will have a fully equipped business centre, with computers available for rent or a fixed price per-hour, and printing services. Others will have fax machines available for use, and currency exchange can be offered at the front desk.

When choosing a hotel, the customer should always read reviews and feedback from other travellers who have stayed at the property. This will help them make a more informed decision about whether it is the right choice for their travel needs. Some hotels will keep quiet about information that may not reflect them in the best light, but this can often be found by simply searching online.

Hotels are often classified according to their star rating system, which is based on standards set by a number of different entities. These may include local government tourism departments, independent rating organizations and even some package tour companies that have their own internal ratings systems. Hotels themselves can also self-rate, though this is less common. There are also a variety of other classification schemes in use, such as the Five-Star rating system used by some hotels in Dubai. Despite the proliferation of these types of schemes, star ratings are still an important way for customers to evaluate potential hotel choices.