Hotellidest

Hotellidest is a neologism used in Scandinavian travel writing to describe a method of categorizing hotels by design-inspired labels rather than conventional star ratings. The term blends hotell, the Norwegian word for hotel, with id est, a Latin phrase meaning “that is,” signaling an explanatory subtitle attached to a hotel description. It is not widely recognized in formal classification schemes and is mostly encountered in blogs or design-focused magazines.

In practice, hotellidest labels aim to convey the overall feel or aesthetic of a property. Common descriptors include boutique-modern, historic-lux, eco-chic, and tech-forward. Writers accompany the label with a concise note on architectural cues, interior design choices, neighborhood character, and service level, providing readers with a quick, impression-based frame of reference.

The approach emphasizes subjective perception of aesthetics and context rather than objective metrics such as price or facilities. Proponents argue that hotellidest helps travelers identify properties aligned with personal tastes, particularly for design-oriented trips. Critics contend that the lack of standard definitions undermines comparability and can mislead readers about what a property actually offers. Some guides reserve design-focused labeling for curated selections, while others avoid it to preserve uniformity with traditional classifications.

Because the concept remains relatively niche, instances of hotellidest are sporadic and mostly found in European travel writing or design-focused publications. No formal body governs its usage, and it should be read as a stylistic device rather than an official category.

See also: hotel classification, travel writing, design tourism, boutique hotel.