Types of Hotels

Chain hotels 

Chain hotels typically fall under a group of hotels operated by a company or owner.

Motels

They're typically located along highways and other major roadways, and offer minimal amenities, if any. Motels usually have a different layout than standard hotels as well,

with rooms being accessible from the exterior. Additionally, motels are typically one to two stories high, while hotels can be much larger. Some are motel chains, though motels can be independently operated also.

Resorts

 A resort is usually a destination that attempts to provide travelers with everything they need in one location: Accommodations, dining, drinks, shopping, and entertainment. Often located in popular vacation destinations, some resorts are all-inclusive, allowing travelers to pay one price for unlimited service.

Inns

 An inn is usually much smaller than a standard or chain hotel. Often individually or family- owned, inns tend to offer a cozy, homey feel for their guests. Typically offering fewer in-room amenities than a larger hotel chain, you may find in-room coffee, Wi-Fi, or small breakfast options available at an inn.

Many inns offer unique styles or decorations from room to room, providing guests with a unique experience. Some inns, like the Ponte Winery and Vineyard Inn in Temecula, California, have a vineyard on-property and specialize in wedding services as well.

All-suites

 Hotels in which all of the guest rooms are suites are commonly referred to as all-suite hotels. These hotels typically have “suites” in the name, making them easier for travelers to identify.

All-suite properties usually offer each guest a bedroom, separate living area, and a kitchen area or cooking accessories. Many large hotel companies have an all-suites brand or two under their umbrella, such as Comfort Suites by Choice Hotels, Embassy Suites by Hilton, or Staybridge Suites by IHG.

Conference/convention center hotels

Conference or convention center hotels are characterized by their combination of guest rooms and meeting space. These properties are designed to host large events and provide a wide variety of event options to accommodate different setups, entertainment opportunities, A/V equipment, and breakout needs.

Extended stay hotels

While many lodging options cater to overnight or short-term stays, some properties specialize in accommodating travelers looking for an extended stay. This type of hotel is called an extended stay hotel, and it's popular among business travelers and other individuals staying in one location for multiple days, weeks, or longer.

Most extended stay properties provide guests additional amenities to make it feel more like home, such as a fully-equipped kitchen.

Boutique hotels

Boutique hotels are typically much smaller than the average chain hotel. Usually made up of 100 guest rooms or fewer, you can expect to find boutique hotels in exciting locations or near popular destinations, such as an urban city center or hip shopping district.

Bunkhouses

Basic accommodations sporting bunk beds, or a barracks-like building style, are commonly referred to as bunkhouses.

Bed and breakfasts

Typically smaller, privately-owned properties, the bed and breakfast is a favorite accommodation among travelers looking to experience the intricacies of a destination. Known for providing a bed, as well as food services (most commonly breakfast), many “BnBs” are operated by live-in innkeepers. The owners often live somewhere on-property or nearby, operate the property themselves, and may even prepare meals for travelers.

Eco hotels

An eco hotel — also commonly referred to as a green hotel or sustainable hotel — is a type of hotel that puts a lot of focus on operating in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable manner.

Casino hotels

Casino hotels are located in casinos! They typically offer overnight guest rooms, access to an in-house casino, and often include a variety of restaurants, bars, activities, and shopping options for guests.

Pop-up hotels

Stylish and trendy, pop-up hotels are temporary lodging options that “pop up” for a short period of time. Pop-up hotels are appealing to travelers seeking new experiences, or those who want to enjoy “untouched” locations.

Pet-friendly hotels

Pet-friendly properties allow guests to bring their pets with them when they travel. Some of these properties charge a pet fee, while others allow complimentary pet stays. Weight limits, breed restrictions, or the number of animals a traveler may check-in with can vary from property to property.

Roadhouses

Roadhouse is a term that was commonly used to refer to motels or small lodging options along the highway. It was also a popular term in Britain used to describe roadside pubs that included lodging options. While the term can still be found on advertising at some hotels and venues, it’s more commonly associated with restaurants now.

Gastro hotels

Perfect for foodies, gastro hotels are focused on providing travelers overnight accomodations coupled with fantastic food. Gastro hotels are usually on the smaller side with fewer than 50 rooms.

Micro hotels

Micro hotels are exactly what they sound like: Small hotels. Designed for people who need a place to sleep and not much else, the presence of micro hotels is growing.

Transit hotels

Transit hotels, also called airport hotels, appeal to travelers with a flight to catch. Transit hotels are located inside of an airport, typically close to a terminal and within a security checkpoint.

Heritage hotels

Travelers looking to soak up local culture or explore the history of an area may choose to stay at a heritage hotel. These types of hotels are typically located in historically-significant

areas or have a direct connection to major events that shaped the local culture. Due to the age of many of the original structures, some heritage hotels are remodeled versions of old castles or temples.

Hostels

A term you may associate with backpacking across Europe, or similar travel

styles, hostels are lodging options that appeal to travelers on a budget. Most hostels provide dorm-style sleeping arrangements and target a specific type of traveler, such as students and short-term younger travelers.

Unique concept hotels

An exciting, fun, and unique type of hotel, concept hotels allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in one-of-a-kind experiences. Concept hotels include ice hotels, underwater hotels, and just about any other unique property you can think of.