Hotels have traditionally differentiated themselves in terms of price, allowing travelers to choose among budget, midrange, upscale, or luxury lodgings. However, when choosing a hotel, it can be helpful to look beyond price and consider hotels according to the level of service they provide.

The majority of hotels follow the traditional, full-service model. These hotels feature full-sized lobbies, hotel restaurants, and meeting rooms. They are useful for business travelers who expect to meet with clients in the hotel.

However, many business travelers simply need a place to spend the night. Limited service hotels offer a less expensive option for individuals who do not expect to be at the hotel past breakfast. These hotels offer attractive, full-sized rooms, but do not include on-premise restaurants or meeting rooms.

Other travelers spend a lot of time working in their rooms, even meeting with customers. In these cases, it often makes sense to get a suite that has separate sleep and work areas. Suite hotels typically offer suites for about the same price as a traditional hotel room, allowing businesses to conduct in-room meetings or interviews in a professional environment.

Extended-stay hotels offer an economical alternative for business travelers who find themselves in one location for several days. Extended-stay units are equipped much like small apartments, offering small kitchenettes and some living space for travelers.