Accessibility focused hotel location selection using ENTROPY–COPRAS methods

Purpose This study aims to determine the most suitable location for a hotel in Afyonkarahisar, Türkiye, by evaluating various factors with a particular focus on accessibility. The research identifies the importance of key criteria, including accessibility, land cost, natural resources and competition, to support decision-making in hotel location selection. Design/methodology/approach A multi-criteria decision-making approach integrating the ENTROPY and COPRAS methods was applied. The weights of the selected criteria were determined using the ENTROPY method based on data from 11 thermal hotels in Afyonkarahisar. Subsequently, five alternative locations were evaluated using the COPRAS method to identify the best hotel location. Findings The results indicate that natural resources (0.48) and land cost (0.13) are the most critical factors in selecting a hotel location. Among the evaluated alternatives, A1 emerged as the best location due to its direct access to natural resources. The study highlights the significance of accessibility-based factors in hotel location selection. Practical implications This study introduces a practical framework to guide decision-makers in the hotel location selection process. Moreover, it suggests that in regions endowed with natural resources, locating in close proximity to these resources is a more rational strategy than attempting to avoid competition. Originality/value This study contributes to the literature by adopting an integrated ENTROPY–COPRAS approach to hotel location selection, specifically from an accessibility perspective. The findings offer practical insights for tourism sector stakeholders, including investors and policymakers, by providing a structured decision-making framework.