Hotels

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a hotel as, “an establishment providing accommodation, meals, and other services for travelers and tourists.” The origins of the word hotel go back to France and the word hostel. Hostels as we all know are alive and well, but the concept of a hotel was born out of hostels. Hotels as we recognize them today began to pop up in the 18th century. Prior to that, while similar, they were much less commercialized, and more family and friends oriented.

The Romans and Greeks installed hotels around a centerpiece which was the thermal bath. The Middle East had the same and back then the public was mostly the rich. Come the Middle-Ages travelers of every economic status were welcomed and there was even the incorporation of religious elements. Something known as “coaching inns” began to emerge in the 17th century where guests were ironically treated as family and friends, returning a bit to the past and then later provided extra income for families seeking to rent their homes out to said guests. The first public hotel opened in 1792 in NYC, but it wasn’t until 1829 when the Tremont House in Boston began to gain traction. The first hotel with plumbing, baths, free soap (huge plus!), the Tremont House really set the bar high.

Today it is safe to say most our readers have stayed in a hotel at some point in their lives. But who are the major hotel players?

Wyndham Worldwide

The biggest chain in the world measured by number of hotels (8,092 and counting), the Wyndham operates over 66 countries on 6 continents. Founded back in 1981 by Trammell Crow in Texas, headquarters are now in New Jersey and the chain is best known for their generous loyalty points program, providing travelers excellent perks based on how frequently they stay at Wyndham properties.

Marriott International

With a portfolio of nearly 6,000 hotels (5,974), you can find a Marriott likely wherever you travel. This is because they maintain a presence in 110 countries and the hotel is also quite active in philanthropic causes, giving resources and time to poverty eradication, child-care, the environment and community development. Marriott is an exceptional choice if you care where your dollars end up going post-stay.

Hilton Worldwide

From Paris Hilton fame, Conrad Hilton put this ship in motion in 1919 and the company later relocated to Beverly Hills, California to be in the tinsel-town capital of the universe. Paris was born, got into some hot water, tapes were released, she became famous, dropped off the map, but through it all Hilton kept their name and A+ reputation. A real testament to Hilton management, we imagine it wasn’t easy.

Best Western Hotels

While not as large nor glamorous as the big boys on the list, Best Western International is an absolute powerhouse, growing fast and close to taking over Hilton in terms of numbers of hotels. They have surpassed the 4,000 mark and have their eyes firmly planted on Asia and the Middle East for future growth. The company went through a handful of branding changes in 2011, creating sub-brands like Best Western Plus and Best Western Premier. This has helped in giving clients a more personalized stay within the larger Best Western context.

If you’re looking for a quick stay, just to try any of these out, pick any of the above. They won’t break the bank and you might even become a loyal points holder. Watch out!