Choosing a hotel when traveling can be difficult. Different types of accommodations have different prices. Even those in the same area charge different prices. This can lead to travelers spending a lot of money on their accommodation. Keeping a few things in mind before booking your accommodations can help you to choose the best one for your needs. Read on to learn more about the best ways to book a hotel. And don’t forget to read about cancellation policies.
Bed and Breakfasts
When choosing between hotels and bed and breakfasts, consider the differences between these two types of lodging. Bed and breakfasts are typically smaller establishments with fewer guests than hotels, which make them a cheaper option. They may have only three or four rooms, but still offer a hospitable atmosphere. Additionally, these establishments are often owned by local families, and the owner may be present during the entire stay.
Guesthouses
If you’re looking for an alternative to hotel rooms, consider staying in a guest house. Guest houses have lower overhead than hotels do, as they are usually family-owned with no age restrictions. Unlike hotels, they also tend to have fewer amenities, such as breakfast and dinner, and are a better option for those who want a more relaxed atmosphere. Some guest houses are run by the host’s family, and the meals are often shared with other guests. In addition, many guest houses are located in rural areas and are home to elderly families or travelers.
Vacation rentals
Choosing between vacation rentals and hotels is a tricky decision. Although both types of accommodations offer many benefits, they each have their own disadvantages. For example, vacation rentals tend to be more expensive, and hotels are best for short-term stays. Those who travel with a large group may want to consider renting a home instead of staying in a hotel. The following are some advantages of vacation rentals:
Hotel cancellation policies
Cancellation and change policies for hotels are subject to change, as is the case with cruises. The travel industry is taking the threat of the Ebola virus seriously, and many hotels are making changes to cancel and rebook their reservations. As more countries open their borders, more hotels are modifying their cancellation and change policies. Some have even extended their cancellation and change policies, and others may change the requirements for elite status.
Meta-search (price comparison) websites
Travelers are increasingly turning to meta-search sites to find the best rates on a hotel or travel package. These websites collect prices from several sources and display them in one convenient location for potential guests. In exchange for placement on the list, hotels pay meta-search websites to encourage them to book through their platform. A recent study showed that 72% of travelers consult price comparison sites before booking their accommodations.
Digital transformation fueled by big data
In travel and hotel businesses, big data plays an important role. This technology helps to personalize customer experiences and make them more memorable. By using big data, travel companies can enhance customer service and increase revenue by providing tailored services. In addition to personalizing service, this technology can improve the way customers are advertised. Big data has the potential to transform the hospitality industry. Read on to find out how hotels and travel companies can use it.
IBM’s role in the industry
IBM is focused on the travel and hotels industry and its unique ecosystem. IBM has developed and launched a cloud-based platform called the Travel Manager Platform which leverages IBM AI and IBM Virtual Services to deliver deep passenger insights. These insights improve the customer experience and provide competitive advantage. Other IBM offerings include TradeLens, an open industry platform that digitises global supply chains and the IBM Garage which helps companies with data governance and management.