Hotels offer various types of lodging accommodations to travelers, whether for a few nights, for extended stays, or for resorts where guests stay specifically to enjoy certain facilities such as golf courses and live entertainment. Limited-service hotels generally provide rooms and daily housekeeping services, while larger hotels typically offer additional amenities such as room and valet service. Hotels often generate additional income from offering the use of other facilities to guests and the public.
Larger hotels typically have meeting rooms and conference facilities that can be reserved by overnight guests as well as the public. The meeting and conference rooms can be set up to meet the needs of the function being given, such as training seminars, award ceremonies, business meetings and luncheons. If attendees are traveling from long distances to attend the function, having it inside of a hotel makes it convenient for them to stay overnight before journeying back home. Some hotels have ongoing contracts with companies and organizations that utilize the meeting facilities regularly, such as for board member meetings or religious services.
Banquet and reception hotel facilities can provide adequate room and an ideal setting for wedding receptions, proms, dinner and birthday parties. In addition to spacious rooms, hotels with these services usually offer plenty of parking spaces as well. Hotels offer catering, along with a wait service, to serve food to individual tables, or to give the option of having a buffet-style set-up. Some hotels also have restaurants where guests can have breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as host smaller parties if they choose.
Many hotels contain amenities to keep guests entertained, pampered or relaxed during their stay. People who enjoy swimming or lounging by the side of the pool can do so at hotels that offer outdoor and/or indoor pools. Some hotels also have saunas and hot tubs as well. Hotel facilities may include fitness rooms where guests can work out on exercise machines such as treadmills and stationery bicycles. Those hotels featuring a spa may offer services such as massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, while others may contain a hair salon and barbershop.
Another facility offered by many hotels is the on-site laundry room. Washers and dryers are available to guests for washing their clothes and some hotels offer this service for free or have coin-operated appliances installed. Some laundry facilities also have televisions, vending machines and provide washing detergent for guests to purchase. Services like this can help travelers pack lighter bags, especially during extended stays.
