One of the most important elements of any trip is finding the right accommodation to suit your travel style and to make sure you’re comfortable while you’re away. If you’re not sure where to stay or which type of accommodation is appropriate for your trip, check out this list of the most common types of travel accommodation and what they offer.
Hotel
Hotels are a popular option for all kinds of travellers. Hotels have a reception desk where travellers check in and address their needs with the concierge. Hotels have smaller and larger en-suite rooms with one or more bed, from single rooms to executive suites. Hotel stays can range from one night to several weeks. Most hotels have basic in-room amenities such as a kettle, cups, complimentary tea and coffee, free Wi-Fi, and a TV. Larger hotels may have an iron and ironing board in each room as well as toiletries, a bathrobe, slippers, and a minibar which is usually fully stocked. You’ll need to pay a fee for anything you take from the mini fridge. The rooms are cleaned daily by the hotel’s housekeepers.
Most hotels have a restaurant and bar, though the food and drinks won’t be included in the cost of your room. If you don’t feel like going downstairs for meals, you can use the phone in your room to order room service. Hotels can also have fitness centres, pools, and conference rooms.
Resort
Resorts are similar to hotels with much of the same basic amenities, but they tend to be larger and offer their guests a wider variety of services, such as a laundry service, a spa, and a salon. Many resorts are self-contained and they offer all-inclusive packages. Some resorts have their own shops in which guests can purchase travel essentials, things relating to their trip (such as swimming goggles and bathing suits), and souvenirs. Depending on which resort you choose to stay at, they may have more than one restaurant and bar and they may provide you with excursion packages that are planned by the resort itself.
Most resorts cater to different interests and activities, for example they may be located near a private beach and offer water sport rentals and lessons, or they may have their own golf course or private ski run.
Hostel
Hostels are a budget-friendly accommodation option that is popular with backpackers. Individuals sleep in a dormitory or a small room with other travellers. The shared rooms have several bunkbeds and lockers for you to store your things. Hostels rarely have private rooms, though the ones that do charge a bit extra for them. Hostels also have communal kitchens, recreation areas, and bathrooms. Most hostels don’t provide amenities such as towels and toiletries, so you’ll need to bring your own. You’ll also have to buy your own groceries and cook for yourself or find somewhere to eat out.
Motel
Motels, also referred to as “motor hotels”, are much smaller than hotels and may not require a reservation. They are cheaper and generally cater to motorists on longer journeys who are only staying for a night or two. Motels are usually found along the motorway, near the service stations. Motels have simple en-suite rooms and have limited amenities. Larger motels may have a restaurant and a pool. The rooms are accessed from the outside, rather than from inside a building, with parking facilities outside each room.
Bed and Breakfast
Again, bed and breakfasts are a smaller accommodation with a limited number of rooms. Each country has different laws in regards to how many rooms a bed and breakfast can have. The rooms can be en-suite or there may be a shared bathroom on each floor. As the name suggests, breakfast is included with the price of a room, but you’ll have to source your own lunch and dinner. At breakfast, guests usually sit together at one dining table. Bed and breakfasts are often private residences run by families, with the proprietor(s) living in the same building.
Aparthotel
Aparthotels can be booked like regular hotel rooms, except you’ll be staying in your own private apartment with a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room, a kitchen, and a washing machine and dryer, rather than a small room. You can book an apartment for short stays, but they’re mostly rented by travellers on longer trips. Aparthotels are popular with business travellers and vacationing families who want self-service accommodation. Aparthotels offer travellers more privacy and a more home-like experience.
Apart hotels are also known as “serviced apartments”. They contain everything you need, from pots and pans to bedding and towels. They will also be cleaned by housekeeping, though you will be expected to clean up after yourself and do your own laundry. Those who book an aparthotel will benefit from a concierge and any other facilities in the building, such as a gym and recreational areas.
Short-Term Rental Properties
Short-term rental properties can be furnished apartments and houses or chalets, lodges, and villas. This kind of accommodation has been popularised by the likes of Airbnb. With short-term rentals, you pay a fixed fee for a set stay, which includes utilities and the amenities provided by the landlord.
The prices of short-term rental properties will depend on the size and location of the property. Like an aparthotel, these rental properties contain everything you need during your stay and you’ll cook and clean for yourself. The guests are given the key upon arrival and the landlord will provide the tenant with the terms and conditions that they set, such as no smoking inside the property and cleaning before you leave.
