Sometimes when traveling, we get so tired that it doesn't matter where we fall asleep: in a private hotel room or on an uncomfortable, creaky bunk bed in a room with 20 snoring people. But most often, we want comfort and privacy, but at a good price. So what to choose? Unfortunately, not everyone understands the difference between a hotel and a motel, a hostel and a B&B, and so on. That's why we're here to clarify everything.

B&B

Let's start with the most debated one. Many are still confused and think that B&B means "all-inclusive," but it doesn't. B&B is an abbreviation for Bed&Breakfast. Most often, it's someone's large house where one part belongs to the owners, and the other is rented out. There's no staff here, just a smiling hostess who knows everyone by name.

The price includes a small room and a homemade breakfast. The atmosphere is pleasant and friendly. You definitely won't encounter drunkards or inappropriate people there — the hostess has the right to refuse anyone she wishes. In big cities, this is not always common — this soulful haven is most likely found in villages or small towns.

Guest House

Very similar to a B&B, but with some differences. A guest house is usually more expensive, and besides the owners, there is also service staff. Meals here will likely need to be paid for separately or you'll have to eat elsewhere (perhaps you fancy the cafe across the street). The comfort and amenities here are also more tailored to the needs of tourists.

Hostel

A favorite spot for budget travelers. Most often, it's like a dormitory with many beds in one room. And the more beds, the cheaper the overnight stay will be. Often in hostels, showers and toilets are located on the floor, towels and slippers are provided for a fee, and there is a common living room and kitchen where you can prepare your own food. Hostels do not include breakfast, but if there is a bar or cafe on the premises (for guests), they sometimes offer a simple breakfast (without buffets) for an additional charge.

Motel

Motels are roadside havens for those who are tired on the road and want to sleep in a bed, not in a car. It's a small complex of several rooms with street access, inside which there's a bed and a bathroom, sometimes a simple TV. The clientele varies, as the rooms are cheap, and there are no services like breakfast.

Apartments

Practically an apartment with a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, with an owner who hands out the keys. There can be many such apartments on one floor. This is an excellent option if you are traveling with a group or family. There are enough sleeping places, and a full kitchen where you can cook anything. However, you will have to clean it yourself.

Hotel

A place for those who don't want to bother with small details. Hotels offer various rooms for any number of people and with comfort levels to suit any budget. Your room is cleaned daily, and fresh towels are provided. In the mornings, a good buffet breakfast awaits you. If it's a high-class hotel, dinner is also served. Hotels often have SPA centers, saunas, gyms, and swimming pools, a bar with billiards, but all this depends on the hotel's star rating.

A hotel is quite suitable for long-term stays, unlike motels or hostels. But the prices will also be higher.

Holiday Village

Such complexes are often found in resorts. This is a large area with separate houses or bungalows and developed infrastructure. It's convenient to relax here with children because there are many children's activities, animators, and entertainment. The interior, of course, is primitive, but for beach life, it's quite sufficient.

SPA Hotels

Resort Hotel or Resort&SPA — huge complexes for relaxing and rejuvenating holidays. The territory of such hotels has everything one could dream of: tennis courts, sports grounds, swimming pools with water of different temperatures, restaurants, and even shops. SPA centers also occupy a significant space, as they are the main feature of such complexes. However, SPA services are not always included in the price and are paid for separately, as there is a specific program that each person chooses individually.

These are the main concepts, which should be enough to decide what suits you and your budget best. But some establishments misrepresent themselves. Guest houses are called hostels, B&Bs are called guest houses, and so on. Hence the confusion! Every owner wants to stand out and adds various services to their place, without changing the name.

To ensure your accommodation doesn't become an unpleasant surprise, we recommend reading recent reviews before booking. And if you're interested in something specific, don't hesitate to write or call the hotel to inquire about it.

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