inns

An inn is a small lodging establishment that offers accommodation and meals to travelers. Traditionally inns provide rooms for rent, a public eating and drinking area, and sometimes stables or storage for horses. They are typically smaller than hotels and are often run by a single proprietor or family.

Historically, inns were essential on major routes in medieval Europe. They functioned as coaching inns where travelers changed horses and posted riders could refresh. The innkeeper provided lodging, meals, and sometimes services such as mail or information. Inns also served as local social centers, places for merchants to gather and conduct business.

In modern usage, "inn" can describe a range of establishments from country inns and bed-and-breakfasts to small city hotels. In some regions, the terms inn, hotel, and tavern have overlapping meanings; a B&B usually offers limited services and a more intimate setting. Many inns maintain period architecture and may be listed as historic buildings. Licensing, health and safety regulations apply to inns just as to other lodging providers.

Etymology and regional variation: The term inn derives from Old English inn; the word has cognates in other Germanic languages. In the United Kingdom, coaching inns played a central role in transportation networks; in the United States, the term "inn" is frequently used for smaller, informal lodging establishments and rural retreats.