What’s the Difference Between a Hotel, Motel and Inn?

If you are planning on traveling soon, you may be wondering what the difference is between a hotel, motel and an inn – but did you know there are many other accommodation types too?  While they all offer lodging for travellers, there are some distinct differences between these types of establishments. In this blog post, we will discuss the key features of each type of accommodation and help you decide which one is best for your needs.

The Different Types of Accommodation

What is a Hotel?

Hotels are your most common form of accommodation, and even smaller towns will have one or more available. Hotels rooms range in sizes, but typically offer studio, one, or two bedroom units. Depending on the type of hotel room you book, they can have one large bed or a couple of single beds, and may have a seperate lounge or a kitchenette. The room will usually be fitted with a full bathroom, a TV, a mini fridge, coffee maker and free sachets guests can use.

A hotels itself typically have several features, such as a front desk, lobby, restaurant, swimming pool, and fitness centre. As they have a restaurant, guests will usually be able to enjoy a continental breakfast buffet and can also call up and order room service. As hotels tend to vary in size, and they can be independently owned or part of a hotel chain.

What is a Motel?

Motels are usually smaller than hotels and have fewer features. Most motels offer single room accommodation only and lack cooking facilities. Unlike a hotel, the front door tends to be accessed from the exterior of the building. As they don’t have a lobby, motels will have an office located on the property incase you need to check in or out. They may have a swimming pool and offer room service, but they typically do not have a restaurant or other amenities.

Motels are often located near highways so that they are convenient for travellers who are driving. As they lack a lot of the features of a hotel, they tend to be cheaper and therefore, are an affordable way to get a good nights sleep.

What is a Resort?

Just like a hotel, resorts vary greatly in room sized and amenities. Resort rooms tend to be larger than a standard hotel room, and can sometimes resemble a small apartment, with a seperate kitchen and lounge. A resort is a place used for relaxation or recreation and are usually located in scenic areas, such as near a beach, lake, or in the mountains.

Many resorts offer a variety of amenities such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, golf courses, and tennis courts. Resorts may also have a restaurant and bar on-site. Some resorts even offer activities such as hiking, skiing, and horseback riding. People usually choose a resort because of the vast offering – often it’s all on-site making it a convenient way to experience a place without having to travel far.

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Resorts can also be a good value for your money, as they often include many amenities in the price of your stay and can often be booked in a package along with your flights or rental car. Some resorts are only open during the summer months while others are open year-round, so it’s best to check before you plan your travel.

What is a Lodge?

Lodges are usually located in remote or rural areas and offer a more intimate and rustic experience than hotels or resorts. Lodges are often family-owned businesses, and they typically have a small number of rooms available. This can make them feel more like a home away from home, and many guests enjoy the personal attention they receive from the staff.

Lodges typically have a main lodge building where guests can gather to eat, drink, and socialise. They may also have a few cabins on the property that guests can stay in. Many lodges offer activities such as hiking, fishing, and bird watching, and they are a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the outdoors. Lodges can also be a good option for people who are looking for a more affordable place to stay.

What is an Apartment?

An apartment is a self-contained unit located within a larger building. It usually has its own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. They can be a good option for people who want more space than a hotel room or motel room, and they are often more affordable. Many people choose to stay in an apartment because it provides them with a more home-like environment. Apartments are also often located in convenient locations, such as near public transportation or shopping areas.

Some apartments come with additional features, such as a swimming pool or fitness centre. Others may have a doorman or security guard. Some people choose to stay in an apartment because it offers them more privacy than a hotel or resort.

If you are planning to stay in an apartment, be sure to ask about the amenities that are included in your unit. You should also inquire about the policies regarding guests and noise levels. Some apartments have strict rules about these things, so it is important to be aware of them before you book your stay.

What is an Inn?

An inn is a small, usually family-owned hotel. Inns are typically located in historic or picturesque areas, and they often have a more personal feel than larger hotels. Many people choose to stay in an inn because they enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the opportunity to meet other guests. Inns tent to be bigger than B&Bs, but don’t always include a free breakfast.

Inns are typically smaller than hotels and have fewer features. They may offer room service, but they typically do not have a restaurant or other amenities. Unlike B&Bs, inns tend to offer more services such as local tours and event planning. Many inns also offer free parking for guests because they have larger grounds than many types of accommodation.

What is a Bed & Breakfast?

A bed and breakfast is a small, usually family-run hotel. Bed & breakfasts are often located in historic or picturesque areas, and they often have a more personal feel than larger hotels. Many people choose to stay in a bed & breakfast because they enjoy the intimate atmosphere and the opportunity to meet other guests as you share the grounds. It’s normal to interact with the bed and breakfast’s owner or operator on arrival and during the stay, so they tend to be less private than other forms of accommodation.

Bed & breakfasts typically have a small number of rooms, and guests can expect a more home-like experience. They’re often located in historic buildings and may be decorated with antique furniture. They may also offer room service, but they typically do not have a restaurant or other amenities.

Many bed and breakfasts include breakfast in the price of your stay, and some also offer other amenities such as free parking or Wi-Fi. As they usually include more amenities in the price, they tend to be more expensive than a typical hotel room at first glance.

What is a Boutique Hotel?

A boutique hotel is a small, usually independently-run hotel. They are often located in trendy or hip areas, and they often have a more unique atmosphere than larger hotels. Many people choose to stay in a boutique hotel because they enjoy the stylish surroundings and the opportunity to meet other like-minded guests.

Boutique hotels typically have a small number of rooms, and guests can expect a more intimate experience. They often offer unique amenities such as in-room spa treatments or loaner bicycles. They may also offer room service, but they typically do not have a restaurant or other amenities.

Boutique hotels are often more expensive than a typical hotel room, but they may also offer discounts for guests who book multiple nights or during off-peak times.

What is a Hostel?

A hostel is a budget-friendly option for travellers or backpackers who are looking for a place to stay. Hostels are often located in central areas and offer guests basic amenities such as a bed and breakfast. Many people choose to stay in a hostel because they enjoy the social atmosphere and the opportunity to meet other travellers. Others choose to stay because they’re can be very cheap and easy to book last minute.

Hostels typically have a small number of rooms, and guests can expect to share a bedroom and bathroom with other guests. Hostels can offer a range of different sized rooms (some may have 8 beds while others can have 18) and prices vary accordingly. Some hostels may also offer a kitchen for guest use, but they typically do not have a restaurant or other amenities. Hostels are often more affordable than hotels, but they may also charge for additional services such as laundry or Wi-Fi.

What is a Holiday Park?

A holiday park is a type of accommodation that offers guests the opportunity to stay in self-contained units such as cabins, caravans, or tents. Holiday parks are often located in scenic or rural areas and offer a range of different amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and barbecue areas. Guests can expect to find a variety of different accommodation options to suit their needs and budget, and many holiday parks also offer on-site activities such as mini-golf or tennis. Holiday parks are a popular choice for families or groups of friends who are looking for a relaxed and affordable way to enjoy the great outdoors.

So, what should you choose: a lodge, B&B, motel, hotel, hostel, holiday park or resort? It really depends on what you’re looking for in terms of atmosphere and amenities. If you want a more intimate experience with unique surroundings, a boutique hotel might be the right choice. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with a social atmosphere, a hostel could be a good option. Whatever your needs, there are endless accommodation options that could be right for you.

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About the author

Kendra, the Marketing Content Manager at Preno, brings her expertise in Marketing and Communications to help hoteliers stay ahead of the curve. With a deep passion for the industry, she is committed to providing valuable insights and strategies for success.

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