Hotels come in all shapes and forms. When looking for accommodation, it can be useful to know about some of the different types of hotels and what they include. In this post, we’ll explore 20 different types of hotel from the most basic to the most luxurious.
- Capsule
Capsule hotels (also known as pod hotels) are not for the claustrophobic – you sleep in a pod, which is the size of a single bed and often no more than 3ft tall, sometimes stacked on top of a pod. The advantage of these ‘rooms’ is that they’re very cheap. Capsule hotels were first introduced in Osaka in Japan, but can now be found in most major cities around the world.
- Hostel
Hostels are very basic hotels where you often get nothing more than a bunk – typically sharing a room with other guests. They lack privacy and luxury, but are very cheap. In cities, they are often used by backpackers and can be great places to meet fellow explorers.
- Motel
Found along highways, motels are designed for road trippers and people travelling by road for business. They contain basic rooms at affordable rates and often have private parking spaces directly outside the room. Some may have other amenities like restaurants or lounges.
- B&B
Bed and breakfasts (commonly referred to as B&Bs) are typically reasonably-priced hotels in which you get a basic private room and breakfast in the morning. For other meals, you’ll need to go elsewhere. Owners of B&Bs typically live inside the hotel and many have a cozy home-like feel.
- Inn
An inn is a bar that also has rooms for guests to stay in. The quality of rooms can vary a lot, with some being very basic, while others are quite luxurious. Many inns also serve food and locals may visit them for meals and drinks.
- Airport
Airport hotels are located conveniently next to airport terminals, and are excellent places to stay if you’ve got an early flight. Some have fairly basic rooms, while others are quite lavish. It may be possible to get deals on airport hotels by bundling them with flights from certain airlines.
- Chain
Chain hotels are large hotel companies with lodgings across the country (and sometimes across the world). Each hotel is run in an identical style that is typically designed for mass appeal, providing a level of predictability that may attract loyal guests. Some are quite simple, while others are very luxurious. Regular guests may be able to build points by staying at these chains, allowing access to future discounts and free stays.
- Eco
Those who want to reduce their carbon footprint should look into eco hotels. They aim to be as environmentally-friendly as possible – typically using organic products, zero plastic and energy-efficient lighting and heating. Such hotels are becoming much more popular and come at a range of price points.
- Pet-friendly
Want to bring your dog on vacation? Pet-friendly hotels cater to pet owners – they may have rooms with dog beds, bowls and treats, as well as convenient outdoor access. While a lot of hotels have started to offer pet-friendly rooms, these hotels are different in that they are made up entirely of pet-friendly rooms, and will typically also welcome dogs in lobby areas and restaurants.
- Casino
Casino hotels are pretty much self-explantory – they’re casinos where customers can also book rooms to stay in. The level of luxury varies, with some casinos offering fairly basic rooms, while others are incredibly opulent.
- Spa
Spa hotels have spa facilities on site such as sauna, massage rooms and hot tubs. Rooms tend to be fairly plush in these hotels to encourage relaxation. Other amenities like restaurants, pools or even golf courses may also be on site.
- Gastro
A gastro hotel is a hotel that serves award-winning top level food. Some people may come here just to dine, because the restaurant is so renowned. If you’re a foodie and you don’t want to leave your hotel to get a good meal, such hotels could be worth looking into.
- Boutique
The opposite of chain hotels, boutique hotels are intimate independent hotels that often have a theme or a distinctive character. Some can be quite quirky, which can attract guests looking for a unique experience. Pricing is usually mid-to-high range.
- Resort
Resort hotels are popular in touristy destinations and aim to provide luxurious public amenities including pools, restaurants, bars and entertainment. Despite being on the more luxurious end, many can be very affordable – all-inclusive packages are popular, in which all food and drink at the hotel is free. Some are designed for families, while others are adults-only. Rooms may not be very luxurious, but there are five star options with plush suites.
- Aparthotel
Moving into the more high-end accommodation options, we have aparthotels – these are hotels with apartment-style rooms. Options like these comfortable Michigan hotel spaces have kitchens and lounge areas and are designed for extended stays. Unlike apartment rentals, these hotels still have public lobbies and may provide concierge services.
- All-suite
All-suite hotels exclusively offer spacious luxurious rooms. They are often 5-star and may provide other luxurious amenities like personalized concierge, fine-dining restaurants and stylish bars. Expect a higher price tag!
- Ice
Ice hotels are a very niche type of hotel that is made entirely from ice! They are usually seasonal and are rebuilt every year. Because they are very exclusive, rooms often come at a higher price, however some are more reasonable than others. This post compares 12 cool ice hotels from around the world.
- Underwater
This is another very rare type of hotel that brings a whole new meaning to a deep sleep. Rooms are located underwater with windows looking out into the depths of the sea, allowing you to watch fish swimming by. Rooms are certainly not cheap, but worth splashing out on for a unique once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Chateau
Chateau hotels are located in French castles – sometimes with on site vineyards. They are typically very luxurious and may contain large rooms with four poster beds, allowing you to feel like royalty. While some are very expensive, there are some cheaper options.
- Palace
Located within former palaces, these hotels are often extremely lavish. They’re ideal if you’ve got money to spend and want to live out your fantasy of living like a fairytale prince or princess. Just be wary that some hotels that call themselves ‘palace hotels’ may not actually be palaces, so do your research. This guide rounds up some of the top palace hotels from around the world.
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