Accommodation

Accommodation refers to the provision of shelter and a place to live or stay. It includes permanent residences such as houses, apartments, and other dwellings, as well as temporary lodging used by travelers, workers, students, or patients. The term encompasses both long-term housing and short-term shelter.

Common forms of accommodation include permanent housing, such as single-family homes, flats, condominiums, or cooperatives, and temporary lodging for travel or work, such as hotels, motels, hostels, guest houses, bed and breakfasts, serviced apartments, vacation rentals, campsites, and caravans. There is also institutional or specialized housing for students, seniors, or patients, and accommodations within hospitals or other care facilities.

Accommodation typically provides essential amenities such as sleeping facilities, sanitation, and access to meals or kitchens, and may offer services like housekeeping, reception, and security. The level of service and price varies, and travel classifications commonly distinguish accommodations by type, quality, and board basis, such as room only, bed and breakfast, or full-service arrangements.

Regulation covers safety, health, and fire standards, building codes, and tenant rights, with licensing or registration requirements for certain types of short-term rentals in some jurisdictions. Accessibility and sustainability considerations are increasingly prioritized, with universal design and energy-efficient features becoming more common.

In tourism and housing markets, the availability and affordability of accommodation influence travel behavior and living choices. Online platforms have transformed access to short-term and peer-to-peer rentals, prompting ongoing discussions about regulation, housing supply, and quality standards.