What does hotel mean?
A hotel is a building or establishment where people pay to stay for a short period, usually in a private room with access to services such as reception, cleaning, dining, and sometimes meeting or recreational facilities. The word commonly appears in expressions such as “check into a hotel” and “hotel room,” and it can refer to anything from a modest lodging house to a large luxury property or established international chain. As a verb, “hotel” is used especially in British English to mean stay in a hotel, although it may also describe providing hotel accommodation. Its meaning is close to “inn” in some contexts, but a hotel is generally understood to be more commercial and service-oriented. The word also has a long history: it entered English through French from a Latin term associated with hospitality and guests.
An establishment that provides temporary accommodation, usually with private rooms and services for guests.
"We booked a room at a quiet hotel by the harbour."
Common in everyday and commercial contexts. “Boutique,” “luxury,” “budget,” and “chain” are frequent modifiers.
To stay or make use of accommodation in a hotel.
"The touring band hoteled in several cities during the tour."
Chiefly British and somewhat informal; “stayed at a hotel” is more neutral and widely understood.
The plural is used for multiple establishments or for a group of hotels.
"The city has several hotels near the central train station."
The word “hotel” comes from a Latin word for a guest, so even its origins point to the business of welcoming travelers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hotel come from?
“Hotel” entered English in the 17th century through French hôtel, from Old French hostel. These forms derive from Latin hospitale, meaning an inn or lodging, related to hospes, a guest or host. The same Latin family gave English words including hospital, hospice, hospitality, and hospitable, reflecting the older idea of hosting or receiving guests.
Related word forms
How hotel is actually used
The noun is standard in British and American English. The verb is chiefly used in British English and is more informal than “stay at a hotel”; it can also mean to provide accommodation in a hotel.
Easily confused with hotel
A motel is typically a roadside establishment with rooms entered directly from the parking area, whereas a hotel usually offers fuller services and is more often located in a town or city.
A hostel generally provides shared rooms and communal facilities for budget travelers, while a hotel usually offers private rooms and more extensive amenities.