Hotels and inns are part of the hospitality industry that offers both food and accommodation to their guests. These two types of accommodations are similar in some aspects, yet they have various unique and subtle differences that help distinguish the two.
What is a hotel?
A hotel is a commercial establishment where visitors book a room to stay, have meal and enjoy other services such as gym, swimming pools, gaming, mini-bars, spas, conference and meeting halls. Hotels have many rooms with beds and usually fitted with other essentials like TV, computer, telephone, chair, air conditions and a small table.
Essentially, hotels cater to guests who have reached their final destination and can also serve as a perfect wedding venue for couples who don’t want the traditional black-tie wedding.
What is an inn?
Inn is often a term used for establishments that provide travelers with lodging options close to a highway. The older description of an inn is a business that provides accommodation, beverages and food to travelers. However, the modern inn still caters to commuters and vacationers alike who want to take a journey break and then proceed after a day or two.
Difference between Hotel and Inn
- Hotels and inns differ in several ways. First, the frontage of a hotel is often huge compared to an inn.
- Most hotels are huge complex with many rooms for occupancy, while an inn is a house with few rooms inside for accommodation, three or more.
- Inns are typically owned by the host and they provide a home-style cooked meal, while hotels guests get to eat specially prepared gourmet meals.
- Hotels offers more facilities and services other than just food and accommodation while travelers and visitors in an inn will have to enjoy any hospitality provided by the owners.
- In terms of pricing, inns are relatively cheaper than hotels and this is obviously because of the services and facilities offered.
- Inns are often established far from the city along highways while most hotels can be found within the city.
- Hotels have a wide variety of menu while cuisine in inns are limited.
- Inns do not have standard ratings for their service but hotels have.
These are the common differences between hotels and inns, but the real difference can only be felt through experience. While the service offered in hotels are somewhat premium and luxurious, inns also plays an important role in ensuring those travelling have a place to rest, eat and stay before embarking on the journey.
