Hotels, the Most Common Tourist Accommodation

Let’s learn “In a Hotel” vocabulary perfect for using while traveling.

accommodation – a place where you stay (like a hotel, apartment, hostel)

  • We offer different types of accommodation.

The Main Types of Accommodation in Tourism

  • Hotels are the most common tourist accommodation. They range from 1-star (basic) to 5-star (luxury). Hotels offer private rooms, restaurants, room service, Wi-Fi, etc.
  • Hostels are budget-friendly, often with shared rooms (dormitories). Hostels are  popular with backpackers and students. Some offer private rooms too.
  • Guesthouses are cozy, small, family-run places with personal service; often in local neighborhoods.
  • Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is a small place to stay, usually in a private home or a small guesthouse. You get a bed for the night and breakfast in the morning (included in the price). B&B are often run by a local family or a couple. They are very cozy and personal. They are good for short stays and local experience.
  • Camping is a type of accommodation where you stay outdoors, usually in nature, using tents, campers, or cabins. You usually bring your own gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.). Some campsites have shared bathrooms, kitchens, and BBQ areas. It’s cheap and good for nature lovers and adventurers.
  • Glamping (Glamorous Camping) is a mix of camping and comfort (beds, bathrooms, electricity).
  • Resorts are all-in-one: hotel + restaurants + pools + activities. They are often located at beaches, islands, or ski areas. Resorts are great for relaxing holidays.
  • Apartments or Vacation Rentals are rented homes or flats (e.g. via Airbnb, Booking.com). They are good for families, long stays, or cooking your own meals.
  • Motels are simple hotels near roads/highways. They are mostly for short stays during road trips.
  • Boutique hotels are small, stylish hotels with unique themes or design. They are often found in city centers or cultural areas.
  • Homestays are a type of accommodation where you stay in a local person’s home. They are common for students, volunteers, and travelers who want a real cultural experience. You live with a host family in their home. You get your own room, and sometimes meals are included. It’s a great way to learn the local culture, language, and traditions. The host family may help you with local tips, cook for you, or invite you to family activities.

to book a room – to reserve a room that you wish to stay in at a later date.

  • People often book their rooms online these days, but you can also do so over the phone.
  • He booked the room online as soon as he had finished booking their flights.

reservation / booking– an arrangement to have a room held for you in advance

  • I made a reservation for two nights.
  • I have a booking under the name Petrenko.

vacancy – available room(s)

  • Do you have any vacancies tonight?

fully booked – no rooms available

  • Sorry, we’re fully booked for the weekend.

reception – the front desk area where guests check in and out

  • Please go to the reception to check in.

receptionist – a person at the front desk who helps guests

  • The receptionist was very friendly.

reception desk / the front desk – the counter at reception where guests are helped

  • He went to the reception desk to check out.

guest – a person staying at the hotel

  • Each guest receives a welcome drink.

check-in – the process of arriving and registering at a hotel

  • We check in at 3 pm.

check-out – the process of leaving and paying the bill

  • Check-out is before 11 am.

room service – food or drinks delivered to your room

  • We ordered dinner through room service.

single room – a room for one person

  • I booked a single room for my trip.

double room – a room for two people

  • Do you have a double room available?

suite – a large, more expensive room with extra space or rooms

  • We stayed in the honeymoon suite.

key card – a plastic card used to open a hotel room

  • My key card doesn’t work.

bellboy / porter – a hotel staff member who carries your luggage

  • The bellboy helped us with our bags.

housekeeping – the staff that cleans and maintains the rooms

  • Housekeeping cleaned our room every day.

amenities – extra services or features provided by the hotel (e.g., pool, gym)
An amenitiy is a building, piece of equipment, or service that is provided for people’s comfort or enjoyment.

  • The hotel has great amenities like a spa and a pool.

In a Hotel. Common Hotel Amenities

  • Wi-Fi
  • Breakfast (can be continental, buffet, or à la carte)
  • Air conditioning (AC)
  • Heating
  • Room service
  • TV / Cable TV
  • Mini-bar (usually not free)
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Hairdryer
  • Toiletries (items like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, etc.)
  • Towels / Bathrobe / Slippers
  • Swimming pool
  • Gym / Fitness center
  • Spa (a relaxing place with massage, sauna, etc.)
  • Concierge service
  • Laundry service (often paid)
  • Dry cleaning (usually paid)
  • Parking (can be free or with a fee)
  • Shuttle service (a free or paid ride to the airport or city center)
  • Pet-friendly (allows guests to bring pets)
  • Business center (a room with computers, printer, and internet for work)
  • Meeting rooms /Conference rooms (rooms for conferences or business events)
  • Luggage storage (a place to keep your bags before check-in or after check-out)
  • 24-hour front desk (reception is open all day and night)
  • Elevator
  • Safe / Safety box (a small box to lock your valuables)
  • Balcony
  • Sea / City / Garden view

complimentary – free of charge

  • Breakfast is complimentary with your stay.

mini-bar – a small fridge in the hotel room with drinks and snacks

  • The mini-bar is fully stocked.

Do not disturb sign – a sign to tell staff not to enter your room

  • I put the “Do not disturb” sign on the door.

concierge – a hotel worker who helps guests with information or services such as bookings, tours, or local information

  • Ask the concierge to book you a taxi.

Wi-Fi – wireless internet connection

  • Does the hotel have free Wi-Fi?

rate / price per night  – the cost of staying in the hotel for one night

  • What’s the rate per night?

lobby – the main entrance area or waiting space in a hotel

  • We met in the hotel lobby before dinner.

wake-up call – a phone call from reception to wake you up

  • I asked for a 6 am wake-up call.

late check-out – leaving the hotel later than the usual time

  • Can we get a late check-out at 2 p.m.?

early check-in – arriving before the regular check-in time

  • Early check-in is available upon request.

all-inclusive – a stay where all meals and drinks are included

  • The hotel is all-inclusive with free drinks.

deposit – money you pay in advance to confirm the booking

  • We paid a €50 deposit when we booked the room.

cancellation policy – the rules for canceling a booking and getting a refund

  • What’s your cancellation policy?

noise complaint – telling the hotel there’s too much noise

  • We made a noise complaint about the loud music.

maintenance – repairs or cleaning to keep things working properly

  • Call maintenance if your shower is broken.

fire exit – a safe way to leave the building in case of emergency

  • Please don’t block the fire exit.

At a Hotel vs. In a Hotel

  • Use “in” when talking about being inside the building.
  • Use “at” when talking about being there as a place or event happening.

Hotels play a key role in the travel and tourism industry. Whether for business trips, vacations, or emergencies, hotels provide a temporary place to stay, offering comfort, safety, and various services that make a traveler’s experience more enjoyable.

There are many different types of hotels to meet the needs and budgets of different guests. Luxury hotels offer high-end amenities such as spas, fine dining restaurants, and concierge services. Budget hotels focus on providing basic but comfortable accommodation at a lower price. Boutique hotels often have a unique style or theme, while hostels and guesthouses offer affordable options for backpackers or students.

Staying at a hotel usually involves a check-in and check-out process. At the reception, guests are welcomed, their reservations are confirmed, and they are given information about hotel rules, services, and facilities. Most modern hotels provide free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, TV, and breakfast. Some also offer room service, fitness centers, and airport transportation.

The location of a hotel is also very important. Hotels near city centers, tourist attractions, or transportation hubs are often more popular and more expensive. On the other hand, hotels in quieter areas may offer a more peaceful atmosphere at a lower price.

Overall, hotels are more than just places to sleep. They create a “home away from home” and can greatly influence the quality of a trip. Choosing the right hotel depends on many factors: price, location, services, and personal preferences.

In conclusion, hotels are an essential part of travel. A good hotel can make a journey more enjoyable, relaxing, and memorable.