Over the last year the lodging industry has been beat up pretty badly as a result of the poor economy in the U.S. Business and personal travel have been cut back by almost everyone and that directly affects the earnings of hotels of all types. However, this industry is not going anywhere and will no doubt bounce back as the economy improves. This is a great time to look for substantial hotel deals at all price levels.

When you're on vacation or traveling for business, you have a wide variety of lodgings available to you. There are very real differences between different types of hotels, motels and other accommodations, but exactly what these differences are isn't clear to everyone. When you know what each type of lodging has to offer, then you'll be better equipped to find hotel deals.

Motels are usually the least costly option. These motor hotels, as they were called before the word motel was coined came into existence alongside the expansion of the US highway system in the 1950s and 1960s. These establishments became popular for their low prices, convenient locations near exit ramps and inexpensive dining options and the swimming pools which they frequently featured. The chief identifying characteristic of motels is that the rooms open to the outside rather than to a hallway, the idea being that guests can then park closer to their rooms. Motels have been losing ground as of late due to people choosing the relatively higher security and additional amenities of other styles of hotel.

Then there are limited service hotels, which often have pools and occasionally fitness centers and meeting rooms available. Some even offer a complimentary breakfast, making them an economically sound choice for travelers on a budget. There are chains of these types of hotel as well as independently owned and operated establishments.

A full service hotel, by contrast, offers all of the features of a limited service establishment and more. Pools and gyms are almost always present, as well as meeting rooms and sometimes gift shops as well. You'll also generally find restaurants and/or bars connected to these hotels; and these establishments normally have a concierge ready to help guests with dinner plans and other details during their stay.

A bed and breakfast is a little more intimate than a motel or hotel; most such lodgings are in a private home whose owners enjoy offering their hospitality to their guests. These tend to be more comfortable accommodations with private bedrooms and a morning meal (either breakfast or brunch) served to guests. They're quite a bit smaller than even the smallest of hotels, usually having only a few rooms for guests. You won't find hotel deals on bed and breakfasts very often, but you can sometimes find specials on accommodations by calling or emailing the owners.

Resort hotels are another choice if your travels will take you to places which are popular with tourists. A resort hotel generally provides everything a full service hotel does along with ballrooms for conventions and other events, as well as restaurants, lounges and shops. These hotels often provide activities for families, especially if they are located beachside. There are usually staff who can help guests line up other activities in the area on duty too. Hotel deals are a little easier to find for these hotels online - and there are often discounted prices available as part of travel deals which include the hotel and airfare.

For people who demand the very best, whether or not there are hotel deals available on these accommodations, then luxury hotels may be the best choice. They're not exactly cheap even if you find travel deals which include stays in these luxurious establishments, with rooms costing as much as $1,000 for a night.

There are other, less conventional types of hotel which may also suit your needs such as extended stay hotels, pet-friendly establishments and more exotic accommodations like the ice hotels in Russia, the Scandinavian nations and Canada, the treehouse hotel in Masinagudi, India and many others. Just search online for unusual hotels and you'll find many choices worldwide which have something to offer which is all their own.