| The hotel industry is broken down into three | | | | service every day and having something like a |
| separate categories: extended stay, limited service | | | | workout room or pool is possible. If they have |
| and full service. While the exact hotel facilities a guest | | | | meeting rooms, they will be very small and very |
| can expect are going to change from property to | | | | limited. Some limited service properties are now |
| property, there are some core items that should be | | | | offering free breakfasts as a way to entice the full |
| present at each level. Here is a quick overview of | | | | service guests away from the other properties. |
| what can be expected at each level. | | | | Full service hotels far and away have the best hotel |
| An extended stay property is lodging that is long | | | | facilities, but the rates are generally much higher than |
| term. These are very popular among people that are | | | | the first two categories. To get the best rates, |
| relocating to a new area and permanent | | | | guests should actually look for properties that are |
| accommodations are not ready or have not been | | | | located close to limited service properties as they are |
| found yet. Room rates are generally very low, but so | | | | often forced to lower their rates in order to fill the |
| are the amenities that are offered. Some properties | | | | house. |
| are a bit more welcoming than others, but most will | | | | Examples of full service hotels are Marriott, Hilton and |
| offer little more than a room. | | | | Crowne Plaza. Where limited service loyalty programs |
| For the most part, you are getting a room, laundry | | | | are basically useless other than getting points for |
| facilities and a parking space. Some of the higher end | | | | rooms, full service hotels treat their highest level VIP |
| places will have pools, but that is something that | | | | members like Kings. Free breakfast, cocktail hours |
| should be considered a bonus. They are generally | | | | and turn down service are but a few of the perks. |
| very clean places, but will only offer maid service | | | | The hotel should also have a fully equipped fitness |
| once or twice a week. The reason that they are | | | | club, pool (when possible), snack shop, full service |
| cheaper is because of the low overhead costs in | | | | restaurant, banquet facilities and exceptional meeting |
| regards to staff. | | | | rooms. |
| The next category is a limited service hotel. The | | | | While all of these types of lodging facilities serve their |
| hotel facilities offered vary greatly as this is a highly | | | | purpose, a full service hotel is where to go when |
| contested market and profits are very high. Because | | | | pampering is desired. Their staffs are trained (or at |
| some of these properties are in direct competition | | | | least they should be) to make every wish of a guest |
| with full service hotels, they will offer a few more | | | | come true. After all, the guest is paying for full |
| amenities than a run of the mill travel lodge. | | | | service and they have every right to expect to |
| Limited service properties will usually offer maid | | | | receive it. |