Hotel

A hotel is a commercial lodging establishment that provides accommodations to travelers for a fee. Lodging is typically offered in guest rooms or suites, and many hotels also provide on-site dining, housekeeping, and front-desk services, along with other guest amenities. Hotels vary widely in size, price, and offerings, from budget properties with basic rooms to luxury properties with multiple restaurants, spas, and conference facilities. Some hotels are part of a chain; others are independent.

The term derives from French hôtel, from Latin hospitum meaning guest. Early inns served travelers; the modern hotel industry expanded in the 18th–19th centuries with railway and steamship travel, facilitating standardized service and the rise of hotel brands.

Hotels are classified by service level—economy, mid-range, upscale, and luxury—and by purpose, such as business, resort, boutique, or airport hotels. Core operations include 24-hour reception, daily housekeeping, and on-site dining; additional revenue comes from rooms, food and beverage, meetings, and events. Bookings may be direct or arranged through online platforms.

Hotels operate under safety, health, accessibility, and consumer protection regulations. Many properties pursue sustainability through energy and water conservation, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing, while maintaining guest privacy and data security.