A hotel is a place that provides sleeping accommodation for travellers. It is also a place that provides food and drink. In addition, it offers other facilities such as meeting rooms, business centers and swimming pools. There are many different types of hotels. Some are larger and more luxurious, while others are smaller and less expensive. A hotel is generally owned by a proprietor, although some are operated by large chains.
Unlike inns, which tend to be more upscale and offer higher-end amenities, hotels are designed to accommodate visitors who want a comfortable stay that includes meals and other facilities. Hotels often have restaurants, which can be more formal and require reservations. Inns, on the other hand, often have more relaxed first come, first serve seating and food service policies. Some inns may also have a bar and offer room service, while most hotels have bars that are open to the public.
The word “hotel” comes from the Latin word for host, and the term was originally applied to a place that offered lodging for travelers. Over time, the meaning of the word has changed to encompass any establishment that provides overnight accommodations. This type of facility includes motels, inns and hotels, as well as bed and breakfasts. While motels are usually located near highways, inns are generally found in city centers or near airports.
Inns are small buildings that typically feature a front desk in the lobby, while hotels have a general office on the property and a staff that is more extensive than that of an inn. Inns are more likely to have a restaurant on the premises, while hotels often have several dining options nearby.
Hotels also differ from inns in that they are more likely to display their prices on their websites, while inns are more apt to hide their rates or only provide them by phone. Inns are also more likely to have set non-emergency staff hours, while most hotels have a 24/7 support line for visitors who have questions or issues.
Another important difference between hotels and inns is that most inns are targeted to people traveling by car, while hotels tend to cater to people who want to experience a local area. Depending on the size of the inn, it may have its own parking lot, while hotels are more likely to offer valet service. Inns also have a more laidback vibe than hotels, and they are not as suited for corporate meetings or other events that might require a formal setting.
