Hotel: meaning, definitions and examples

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hotel

[həʊˈtɛl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

accommodation

A commercial establishment providing lodging, meals, and other guest services.

Synonyms

inn, motel, resort.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hotel	Use 'hotel' when referring to a place that offers lodging, meals, and other guest services. Hotels are typically larger buildings and may range from budget to luxury in amenities, often found in cities or tourist areas. We booked a room at a hotel in downtown New York. The hotel has a gym and a swimming pool.
inn	Use 'inn' for smaller establishments that provide lodging and sometimes food. Inns often have a more homely or rustic atmosphere and are commonly found in the countryside or small towns. We stayed at a charming inn in the countryside. The innkeeper provided a delicious breakfast.
motel	Use 'motel' when referring to a lodging place that typically offers basic accommodations and is designed for travelers, often located along highways. Motels usually allow easy access to your room from the parking lot. We stopped at a motel for the night during our road trip. The motel was conveniently located near the interstate.
resort	Use 'resort' when referring to a place that offers lodging along with a variety of recreational activities and amenities such as swimming pools, spas, and sports facilities. Resorts are often located in vacation destinations. We spent a week at a beach resort in the Bahamas. The mountain resort offers skiing and snowboarding.

Examples of usage

The hotel we stayed in had a beautiful view of the ocean.
They are planning to build a new hotel in the city center.
I booked a room at the hotel for our weekend getaway.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

business

A company or organization that provides accommodation and other services to customers.

Synonyms

hospitality business, lodging company.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
hotel	Used to describe a place that offers lodging, typically on a short-term basis, and may provide additional services like meals or activities. Suitable for both general and specific references to such establishments. We booked a hotel for our vacation in Paris The hotel offers free breakfast to its guests
hospitality business	Used to refer more broadly to companies and industries that provide services to travelers and guests, including hotels, restaurants, and other leisure facilities. Suitable when discussing the industry as a whole or the operations within it. The hospitality business has been hit hard by the pandemic She has a successful career in the hospitality business
lodging company	Used to describe a company specializing in providing accommodations for travelers. Often used in a business or corporate context. The lodging company owns several resorts across the country They work for a lodging company that caters to international tourists

Word

Description / Examples

hotel

Used to describe a place that offers lodging, typically on a short-term basis, and may provide additional services like meals or activities. Suitable for both general and specific references to such establishments.

We booked a hotel for our vacation in Paris
The hotel offers free breakfast to its guests

hospitality business

Used to refer more broadly to companies and industries that provide services to travelers and guests, including hotels, restaurants, and other leisure facilities. Suitable when discussing the industry as a whole or the operations within it.

The hospitality business has been hit hard by the pandemic
She has a successful career in the hospitality business

lodging company

Used to describe a company specializing in providing accommodations for travelers. Often used in a business or corporate context.

The lodging company owns several resorts across the country
They work for a lodging company that caters to international tourists

Examples of usage

The hotel industry has been severely impacted by the pandemic.
She works for a multinational hotel chain.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'hotel' comes from the French word 'hôtel', which originally meant a large townhouse or mansion.
The modern usage of 'hotel' referring to a place offering lodging began to appear in the 18th century.
In English, 'hotel' has been used since the early 19th century to describe an establishment providing accommodation.

History

The oldest operating hotel in the world is the Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan, which has been welcoming guests since 705 A.D.
The first hotel in the United States was the City Hotel in New York City, opened in 1794, catering to road-weary travelers.
In ancient Rome, travelers could find lodging at 'cauponae' where food and rest were provided, resembling modern-day inns.

Architecture

Hotels often feature unique architectural designs, catering to various styles, from modern skyscrapers to cozy cottages.
The famous Burj Al Arab in Dubai is designed to resemble the sail of a ship, showcasing innovative hotel architecture.
Many hotels incorporate sustainable design, using eco-friendly materials and practices to reduce their environmental impact.

Pop Culture

Hotels frequently appear in movies and TV shows, becoming central to plots, like in 'The Shining' or 'Home Alone'.
The 'Hotel California' song by the Eagles uses a hotel as a metaphor for temptation and entrapment.
Many video games, like 'Resident Evil', feature haunted or mysterious hotels that add suspense to the storyline.

Economics

The hotel industry is a significant part of global economies, contributing billions to tourism and job creation.
Hotels often use dynamic pricing, where room rates fluctuate based on demand, similar to airline ticket prices.
Luxury hotels usually offer amenities like spas and fine dining, catering to travelers looking for premium experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "hotel" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hotel

🇮🇳 होटल

🇩🇪 Hotel

🇮🇩 hotel

🇺🇦 готель

🇵🇱 hotel

🇯🇵 ホテル

🇫🇷 hôtel

🇪🇸 hotel

🇹🇷 otel

🇰🇷 호텔

🇸🇦 فندق

🇨🇿 hotel

🇸🇰 hotel

🇨🇳 酒店

🇸🇮 hotel

🇮🇸 hótel

🇰🇿 қонақүй

🇬🇪 სასტუმრო

🇦🇿 otel

🇲🇽 hotel

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,872, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2869 herein
2870 absent
2872 hotel
2873 resident
2874 abandoned
2875 custom
...