What is a hotel?
A hotel is a type of accommodation that offers travellers a temporary place to stay, with basic services and amenities that may vary in quantity and quality depending on its category.
The main purpose of a hotel is to provide guests with a comfortable and safe place to rest, whether they are travelling for leisure, business or any other reason.
These properties are usually located in convenient areas, such as urban centres, close to tourist spots, or in the heart of financial and commercial districts, allowing quick access to the main attractions or areas of interest in the destination.
Over the years, hotels have evolved to adapt to the changing needs of travellers, including additional services that may range from restaurants and gyms to conference rooms.
Features of a hotel
Although the range of services and amenities may vary depending on the level and type of hotel, some common features define them. Below, we will explore the essential elements that define a hotel:
Rooms
The main purpose of a hotel is to provide rooms for guests to stay in. These differ in size, design, and level of luxury, offering options such as single rooms, double rooms, suites, and family rooms. The different types of rooms allow hotels to cater to different needs and budgets, from simple and functional accommodations to larger, more luxurious suites.
Services and amenities
Hotels provide a number of services aimed at making the stay as pleasant as possible for their guests. These include basic services such as housekeeping, front desk, and customer service, as well as additional features like room service, breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and parking. Some hotels even offer services like laundry, transfers, and concierge to make the guest experience more convenient.
Complimentary areas and facilities
Besides the rooms, many hotels offer common areas and additional spaces to meet different needs. Among the most common facilities are restaurants, bars, gyms, swimming pools, spas, and meeting or event rooms.
Hotel types
There are several types of hotels, each focused on a specific guest profile. For instance, business hotels are tailored for professionals, with amenities such as conference rooms and high-speed internet connections. On the other hand, boutique hotels stand out for their unique and customised design, while luxury hotels offer a more exclusive experience.
Star rating
Hotels are usually rated on a scale of one to five stars, representing the level of service, comfort, and luxury they offer. This classification allows guests to clearly understand what they can expect in terms of quality and price.
What is a resort?
A resort is a type of accommodation that offers an all-round vacation experience, combining lodging with a wide range of services, recreational activities, and entertainment areas.
The main difference between a traditional hotel and a resort is that the latter focuses on providing guests with everything they need to enjoy their stay in one place, without the need to leave the complex. This option is usually chosen by people who want a relaxing and complete vacation experience, enjoying all the amenities and activities without worrying about planning outside the resort.
Most resorts are located in popular tourist destinations, such as beaches, mountains, or rural areas, and tend to have extensive facilities ranging from restaurants and bars to sports facilities, spas, entertainment centers, and even water parks. The services offered by resorts focus on comfort and providing guests with easy access to multiple leisure and relaxation options in one place.
Features of a resort
Below, we will explore some of the main features of a resort, showing how it differs from a hotel:
Varied accommodation
Resorts often offer everything from standard rooms to suites and private villas. This allows guests to select a room type according to their needs and preferences.
Wide range of services and amenities
Most resorts are equipped with additional amenities such as spas, gyms, recreational activities, or luxury services. This allows guests to enjoy a wide range of wellness and self-care options during their stay.
Leisure activities
Resorts tend to offer organized activities for all ages, from water sports and yoga classes to adventure tours and evening entertainment. These activities are designed to keep guests entertained without having to leave the resort.
Different dining options
Resorts offer different dining options, including several restaurants, bars, and cafés. Some resorts feature themed restaurants or buffets with international cuisine, ensuring that guests are provided with plenty of culinary options.
Focus on entertainment and leisure
Resorts often offer facilities such as swimming pools, water parks, sports areas, golf courses, or playgrounds. This provides guests with access to different leisure options in one place, all designed to help them enjoy their stay to the fullest.
All-inclusive
Many resorts offer an ‘all-inclusive’ package that covers accommodation, meals, drinks, recreational activities, and access to facilities. This approach allows guests to enjoy a complete stay without worrying about additional expenses.
Attractive locations
Resorts are usually located in major tourist destinations, such as beautiful beaches, mountains, or areas of great natural beauty. Their strategic location offers guests an ideal setting for relaxation and leisure.
Differences between a hotel and a resort
Even though “hotel” and “resort” are often used interchangeably, they actually represent two different types of accommodation. Let’s dive into some of their main differences below.
Purpose
The main difference between a hotel and a resort lies in their respective purposes. Hotels are designed for those looking for a comfortable and convenient place to stay while exploring or working in a destination. They focus on offering comfortable rooms, basic services, and a functional stay.
Resorts, on the other hand, are designed as destinations in themselves, where guests can find everything they need without leaving the complex. By this, we mean that a resort not only offers accommodation, but also entertainment, dining options, recreational activities, and wellness experiences.
Services and amenities
Although both offer services that seek to satisfy their guests, resorts stand out for having a broader and more diverse range of options.
Hotels usually offer essential services such as front desk, housekeeping, and sometimes even breakfast. They may offer some additional services, such as a gym or swimming pool, but they are generally focused on providing accommodation.
Meanwhile, resorts are equipped with complete services and amenities such as spas, kids’ clubs, large gyms, sports areas, water parks, and, in many cases, all-inclusive packages.
Location
A hotel or resort’s location can also be a factor to consider. Hotels are usually located in urban areas or near tourist attractions, providing easy access to other points of interest in the city.
In contrast, resorts are usually located in more remote areas, such as beaches, mountains, or other attractive natural destinations. This allows resorts to offer an immersive experience in the surroundings and create an atmosphere of total relaxation, ideal for a fulfilling vacation without having to spend much time traveling within the destination.
Activities and entertainment
The variety of activities offered is one of the main differences between a resort and a hotel. Hotel guests are expected to go out and explore the destination, so hotels tend to offer a basic accommodation experience, with minimal entertainment services.
On the other hand, resorts include a range of activities designed to keep guests busy and entertained within the complex itself. That’s why resorts seek to create a unique experience where each day can be filled with scheduled activities or moments of relaxation.
Length of stay
Due to the different services they offer, the length of stay in a hotel is usually shorter compared to a resort. Hotels are ideal for short stays, in which guests only need a comfortable place to rest.
In contrast, a stay at a resort is usually longer, because it is designed for those seeking a complete vacation experience.
Rates and payment models
In hotels, payment usually covers accommodation and, in some cases, breakfast. Other services may come at an additional cost depending on usage.
Meanwhile, resorts often offer more comprehensive rates or “all-inclusive” payment models, where guests have access to a wide range of services, meals, and activities. This provides comfort and predictable costs, ideal for those seeking an experience without having to worry about additional expenses.
Conclusion
In summary, each difference makes both hotels and resorts suited to specific audiences and purposes. Hotels are often ideal for those seeking comfort and convenience, providing a perfect hub from which to explore the area. Meanwhile, resorts are designed for those who prefer to enjoy a complete vacation in one place, with all the activities, services, and amenities they can imagine.
In the end, both hotels and resorts offer unique experiences, and understanding their unique features will help us provide a service that is better tailored to the needs of our guests.
