Although hotels have been and still are the principle form of accommodation, there has been a growth and development of some other forms in various parts at the world. These can classified on the basis of its be location, type of construction, type of management, etc. and are commonly known as supplementary accommodation.
These may be described as the premises which offer accommodation, but not the services, of a hotel, services provided here is minimal and not comprehensive as in the case of hotel establishments.
All establishments in this type of accommodation are designed to offer the possibility of stay overnight and meals in return for cash payment per day and on the basis of services provided. The standard of comforts is modest compared to that of a hotel.
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It plays a very important role in the total available tourist accommodation in a country and can cater to both international as well as domestic tourist traffic. The following are some of the principal forms of supplementary accommodation:
(a) Motel
(b) Youth Hostel
(c) Camping Sites
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(d) Pension
(e) Bed and Breakfast Establishments and
(f) Tourist Holiday Villages.
1. Motel:
The concept of motel and motel-hotel originated in the United States of America. Motel was meant for local motorists and foreign tourists travelling by road. Primarily designed to serve the needs of motors, motels almost exclusively meet the demand for transit accommodation.
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They serve the function of t transit hotel except that they are geared to accommodate motor travelling guests for overnight stay.
TV important services provided by motels include parking, garage facilities, accommodation, restaurant facilities, public catering and recreational facilities. Hence all motels are equipped with filling stations, repair services, accessories, garages, parking space, elevator service to the automobile, restaurants, etc.
There are also equipment and tools available which the guest can use himself if he wishes to repair his vehicle. The price charged for accommodation and meals/ refreshment is much cheaper as compared to that in hotels.
Motels are mostly located outside the city limits in the countryside along the main highway and preferably at an important road junction. Since these establishments cater mainly for persons travelling by road, their development is linked with the development of new.
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2. Youth Hostels:
The construction of youth hostels is based on certain norms laid down from time to time all over the world. International requirements for these include provision of separate dormitories for men and women, appropriate and clean toilets, washrooms for both men and women, a kitchen where hostellers can prepare their own meals, common rooms, living accommodation for, warden and a left-luggage room.
These are also a provision of a kitchen where warden and staff can prepare meals to supply to hostellers, separate small room for instructors, a dining room and classroom for school parties and a warden’s office. Some youth hostels have playgrounds attached for the use of hostellers.
The International Youth Hostel Federation has laid down certain minimum requirements for accommodation in the youth hostels. These include:
(i) Separate dormitories for men and women with separate entrances; (ii) Separate toilets and washrooms for men and women with separate entrances; (iv) A members’ kitchen where hostellers can prepare their own meals;
(iv) A common room, separate from member’s kitchen, wherever possible;
(v) Living accommodation for warden (s), on the premises wherever possible.
3. Caravan and Camping Sites:
Caravan and camping sites constitute a significant accommodation category in many holiday areas. These are very popular in some European countries as in the United States of America. These are also known as open-air hostels, tourist camps or camping grounds. Camping, originally practiced by hikers on foot, is increasingly giving way to car camping.
The sites are usually located within the large cities ‘in open spaced. Equipped to receive mobile accommodation in the form of caravans, the camping sites provide facilities for parking, tent pitching, water, electricity, toilet, etc.
Though the services provided generally include restaurants, recreational rooms, toilets and at certain places a grocer’s shop, the type of service often vary from place to place. Some countries have enacted legislation establishing the minimum facilities that must be provided and these include health and sanitation standards, prices to be charged for parking and use of various services and facilities.
4. Pension:
This type of accommodation is very popular in certain European countries. Particularly in Italy, Austria, Germany and Switzerland these establishments are used extensively by the tourists. Pension is also described as a private hotel, a guest house or a boarding house.
Catering facilities are optional and are usually restricted to the residents. Many of them stay for longer and definite periods such as week or a fortnight. The reservation of accommodation is made in advance. Mostly managed by a family, a pension is much cheaper than a hotel.
5. Bed and Breakfast Establishments:
Also known in some countries as apartment hotels and hotel garnish, they represent a growing form of accommodation units catering for holiday as well as business travellers. These establishments provide only accommodation and breakfast but not the principal meals.
These are usually located in large towns and cities, along commercial and holiday routes and also resort areas and are used by route travellers. Some of these are very popular with holidaymakers.
6. Tourist Holiday villages:
Tourist villages were established in some European countries after World War II. These are situated at warm seaside’s and in the regions which offer certain facilities for tourists. In Italy and Spain, tourist villages are located in the regions not economically developed, thereby helping the region economically the villages are mostly promoted by important clubs, social and tourist organisations.
The village complex is a centre of accommodation providing extensive sports and recreation facilities, riding, swimming, tennis, volleyball, football, sauna, mini-golf, badminton, table tennis and yoga. These provide both board and lodging. The atmosphere in these villages is kept as informal as possible.
Telephones, radios, newspapers and TV are banned unless these are an emergency Wallets and other valuables are locked away at the beginning of one’s stay. The staff is chiefly educated young people who live on an equal basis with the holiday-makers.
The accommodation provided is usually in multiple units and many provide for self-catering. The furnishing provided in the rooms is minimal. The easy mixing of guests is encouraged by the banning of advance booking of tables in the village restaurants. One rarely finds oneself sitting with the same group twice.
The holiday villages are usually based on family units, each providing a convertible living room, bath/shower and sometimes a kitchen. The villages are self-sufficient, providing almost all necessities required by the residents.
There is also a small shopping complex where one can buy articles of daily need. The services of a doctor are available. The accommodation is sold for a week or a fortnight at an all-inclusive price. In Spain and Italy, these are classified into three categories according to the services and amenities provided.