The evolution of hospitality began with the development of currency and wheels. Europe is considered the cradle of organized hotel business. The American continent is a key player in the industry’s development. The early hotels of Europe provided hospitality for travelers and served as hospitals for patients recovering from illnesses. By the middle ages, various religious orders were providing lodging, food and entertainment to travelers. During the industrial revolution, these establishments were becoming major destinations for travelers.
The rise of the ‘Grand Tour’ in Europe in the 18th century gave a massive boost to the hotel industry. The Grand Tour was a necessary part of education for wealthy British families and lasted for several years. Leading European cities were quick to build hotels, transportation, and recreation facilities to accommodate the travelers. Farsighted entrepreneurs began developing their hospitality skills, laying the groundwork for the modern hotel industry. But what exactly happened to the hotels?
The ‘Grand Tour’ era gave a huge push to the hotel industry. For the aristocratic classes, the ‘Grand Tour’ across Europe was a required element of their education. The tours could last for several years, so they needed a way to accommodate guests. In response to the demand for lodging, cities established recreation, and transportation facilities. In the process, these entrepreneurs were able to develop the hospitality skills necessary to set the foundation for the modern hotel industry.
Aiming to appeal to both business and leisure travelers, luxury hotels have an excellent reputation for quality, service, and location. Their en suite bathrooms and other common surfaces are clean and disinfected. Besides that, luxury properties often feature excellent service and well-designed, coordinated interiors. The best hotels have a dedicated restaurant, a full-service spa, and a gym. And a few self-catering establishments offer accommodation for guests with little to no care.
In addition to a hotel’s overall style and location, it is important to consider its target market. A bed and breakfast can be as small as one guest room, or as large as a full-service hotel. A bed and breakfast is usually a private home or a residence. Its purpose is to accommodate visitors who are looking for a place to stay. Usually, a bed and breakfast will have a restaurant or coffee shop.
A hotel’s name originates from the French word “hôtel” which means townhouse in English. The fifth Duke of Devonshire, who had a hotel in Paris, first used it in AD 1760. Originally, the term was used to refer to a house that an aristocrat lived in. The word hostel means “a place to stay”. This type of property is not a true hotel, but a hostel that has an address is a hostel.