Top 46 Slang For Hotel – Meaning & Usage

Hotels, the temporary homes away from home, have their own unique language and slang that can leave guests feeling a bit lost. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered! Our team of travel enthusiasts and hospitality experts have put together a list of the top slang terms for hotels that will have you speaking the lingo like a seasoned traveler. So whether you’re a globetrotter or just looking for a little hotel trivia, this listicle is your ultimate guide to unlocking the secret language of the hospitality world. Get ready to impress your friends with your newfound hotel knowledge!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Digs

This term refers to a place to stay, typically a hotel or temporary accommodation. It can also be used to refer to someone’s home.

For example, “I found some great digs for our vacation in Hawaii.”
A person might say, “I’m crashing at my friend’s digs while I’m in town.”
In a conversation about travel, someone might ask, “Have you ever stayed in luxury digs before?”

2. Crib

This slang term can refer to a hotel room or someone’s home. It is often used in a casual or familiar context.

For instance, “I booked a cozy crib for our weekend getaway.”
A person might say, “I’m heading back to my crib after a long day of sightseeing.”
In a discussion about accommodations, someone might ask, “Do you prefer a hotel or a crib when you travel?”

3. Pad

This term is used to refer to a temporary residence or a place to stay, such as a hotel or rented apartment.

For example, “I found a great pad for our business trip.”
A person might say, “I’ll be crashing at my friend’s pad while I’m in the city.”
In a conversation about travel, someone might ask, “What’s your favorite pad you’ve ever stayed in?”

4. Joint

This slang term can refer to a hotel or any establishment, often used in a casual or informal context.

For instance, “Let’s check out that new joint in town for our anniversary.”
A person might say, “I booked a room at a fancy joint for the conference.”
In a discussion about accommodations, someone might ask, “Have you ever stayed in a joint with a rooftop pool?”

5. Crash pad

This term refers to a temporary place to sleep, often used when someone needs a place to stay for a short period of time.

For example, “I found a cheap crash pad near the airport for my layover.”
A person might say, “I’m crashing at my friend’s crash pad for the weekend.”
In a conversation about travel, someone might ask, “Have you ever stayed in a crash pad during a backpacking trip?”

6. Shack

A “shack” is a slang term for a cheap and basic type of accommodation, often with limited amenities and comfort. It is usually used to describe a small and rundown structure or building that serves as a place for temporary lodging.

For example, “We couldn’t afford a fancy hotel, so we stayed in a beach shack.”
In a conversation about travel, someone might say, “I found a cheap shack to stay in during my backpacking trip.”
Another person might comment, “The beach shacks in that area are perfect for budget travelers.”

7. Inn

An “inn” refers to a traditional establishment that provides lodging, food, and drink to travelers. It is often characterized by a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with rooms available for overnight stays.

For instance, “We stayed at a charming inn in the countryside for our anniversary.”
In a discussion about travel accommodations, someone might recommend, “If you’re looking for a cozy place to stay, try booking an inn.”
Another person might say, “The inn we stayed at had a beautiful garden and friendly staff.”

8. Lodge

A “lodge” is a term used to describe a type of accommodation, often located in mountainous or remote areas. It typically offers a rustic and cozy atmosphere, and may provide amenities such as fireplaces, communal areas, and outdoor activities.

For example, “We stayed at a lodge in the national park and enjoyed hiking and wildlife spotting.”
In a conversation about ski vacations, someone might mention, “There are many lodges near the slopes that offer comfortable accommodations.”
Another person might say, “I love the ambiance of a mountain lodge, especially during the winter season.”

9. Resort

A “resort” refers to a high-end vacation destination that offers various amenities and activities for guests. It often includes features such as swimming pools, spas, restaurants, and entertainment options.

For instance, “We spent our honeymoon at a luxurious beach resort.”
In a discussion about vacation planning, someone might say, “I’m looking for a family-friendly resort with lots of activities for the kids.”
Another person might comment, “The resort we stayed at had stunning views and impeccable service.”

10. Motel

A “motel” is a type of accommodation typically found along highways and main roads, offering convenient lodging for travelers. Motels often have rooms with direct access from the parking lot, providing ease of entry and exit for guests.

For example, “We stopped at a motel for the night during our road trip.”
In a conversation about budget travel, someone might suggest, “If you’re just looking for a place to sleep, consider staying at a motel.”
Another person might comment, “The motel we stayed at had clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.”

11. B&B

A type of lodging establishment that offers overnight accommodations and includes breakfast in the room rate. B&Bs are often smaller, family-owned properties that provide a more personalized experience for guests.

For example, “We stayed at a charming B&B in the countryside.”
A traveler might ask, “Can you recommend any good B&Bs in the city center?”
In a review, someone might say, “The B&B had cozy rooms and delicious homemade breakfast.”

12. Hostel

A budget-friendly lodging option that typically offers dormitory-style rooms with shared facilities such as bathrooms and kitchens. Hostels are popular among backpackers and budget travelers.

For instance, “I stayed in a hostel during my backpacking trip in Europe.”
A traveler might ask, “Are there any good hostels near the train station?”
In a review, someone might say, “The hostel had a friendly atmosphere and helpful staff.”

13. Roach motel

A derogatory term used to describe a rundown or poorly-maintained hotel that may have issues with cleanliness or pests. The term implies that the hotel is not a desirable place to stay.

For example, “I would never stay in that roach motel again.”
A traveler might warn others, “Avoid that place, it’s a roach motel.”
In a review, someone might say, “The hotel looked nice in the photos, but it turned out to be a roach motel.”

14. Fleabag

A derogatory term used to describe a shabby or dilapidated hotel. The term implies that the hotel is of low quality and may have issues with cleanliness or maintenance.

For instance, “We ended up in a fleabag hotel in the sketchy part of town.”
A traveler might complain, “I can’t believe I paid so much for this fleabag.”
In a review, someone might say, “The hotel was a total fleabag, with stains on the carpet and a musty smell.”

15. Boutique hotel

A small, stylish, and often luxurious hotel that offers a more personalized and intimate experience for guests. Boutique hotels are known for their attention to detail, unique design, and upscale amenities.

For example, “We stayed at a boutique hotel in the heart of the city.”
A traveler might ask, “Are there any good boutique hotels near the beach?”
In a review, someone might say, “The boutique hotel had beautiful rooms and excellent service.”

16. Turndown service

Turndown service refers to the housekeeping service provided in hotels where staff members visit guest rooms in the evening to prepare the bed for sleep. This typically involves turning down the bed sheets, fluffing the pillows, and sometimes leaving a small chocolate or other treat on the pillow.

For example, a hotel guest might request, “Could you please send someone for turndown service?”
A hotel staff member might say, “I’ll be right up to provide turndown service for you.”
In a review, a guest might mention, “The turndown service was a nice touch and added to the overall comfort of our stay.”

17. Bar

In a hotel context, a bar typically refers to a designated area where guests can enjoy alcoholic beverages. This can range from a small counter with a few stools to a full-service bar with a wide selection of drinks.

For instance, a hotel might advertise, “Visit our rooftop bar for stunning views and signature cocktails.”
A guest might ask, “Is the bar open late?”
In a review, someone might mention, “The hotel bar had a great atmosphere and the bartenders were friendly.”

18. Brochures

Brochures are printed materials that provide information about the hotel, its amenities, and nearby attractions. They are often found in the lobby or other public areas for guests to browse and learn more about the hotel and its surroundings.

For example, a hotel guest might say, “I picked up some brochures to help plan our sightseeing.”
A hotel staff member might suggest, “Take a look at the brochures for local restaurant recommendations.”
In a review, a guest might mention, “The brochures were helpful in finding things to do during our stay.”

19. Airport shuttle

An airport shuttle is a service provided by some hotels to transport guests to and from the airport. This can be a convenient option for travelers who do not want to deal with the hassle of arranging their own transportation.

For instance, a hotel website might advertise, “Complimentary airport shuttle available for all guests.”
A guest might ask, “What is the schedule for the airport shuttle?”
In a review, someone might mention, “The airport shuttle was reliable and saved us a lot of time and money.”

20. Parking

In a hotel context, parking refers to the availability and facilities for guests to park their vehicles. This can include on-site parking lots, valet parking services, or partnerships with nearby parking garages.

For example, a hotel might advertise, “Convenient on-site parking available for all guests.”
A guest might ask, “Is there an additional charge for parking?”
In a review, someone might mention, “The hotel had ample parking space, which was a big plus for us.”

21. Continental breakfast

A continental breakfast is a light morning meal typically offered by hotels, consisting of pastries, bread, cereal, fruit, and coffee or tea. It is called “continental” because it is inspired by the European breakfast style.

For example, a hotel might advertise, “Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast with your stay.”
A guest might ask the front desk, “What time is the continental breakfast served?”
Another guest might comment, “The hotel’s continental breakfast had a good variety of options.”

22. Room service

Room service refers to the service provided by a hotel where guests can order food and beverages to be delivered to their hotel room. It offers convenience and allows guests to enjoy a meal in the comfort of their own room.

For instance, a guest might call the front desk and say, “I’d like to order room service for dinner.”
A hotel might advertise, “Indulge in our 24-hour room service for a late-night snack.”
A satisfied guest might leave a review saying, “The room service at this hotel was prompt and the food was delicious.”

23. Catering

Catering refers to the provision of food and beverages for events or special occasions, such as conferences, weddings, or parties. Hotels often offer catering services to accommodate the dining needs of their guests during these events.

For example, a hotel might advertise, “Our catering team can create a customized menu for your wedding.”
A guest planning an event might ask, “Do you offer catering services for a conference?”
A satisfied customer might leave a review saying, “The catering at the hotel’s banquet hall was exceptional.”

24. Buffet

A buffet is a style of dining where a variety of dishes are laid out on a table or counter for guests to serve themselves. Hotels often offer buffet options for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, allowing guests to choose from a wide selection of food.

For instance, a hotel might advertise, “Join us for our daily breakfast buffet with hot and cold options.”
A guest might ask the restaurant staff, “What time does the lunch buffet start?”
A satisfied guest might comment, “The hotel’s dinner buffet had a great variety of dishes.”

25. Main entrance

The main entrance of a hotel refers to the primary door or entrance that guests use to enter or exit the building. It is often the most prominent and easily accessible entrance.

For example, a hotel might have a sign that says, “Please use the main entrance for check-in.”
A guest might ask the concierge, “Where is the main entrance to the hotel?”
A reviewer might mention, “The hotel’s main entrance was grand and welcoming.”

26. Reception

The reception is the area in a hotel where guests check-in and check-out, and where they can get assistance or information about the hotel.

For example, “I’ll meet you at the reception in 10 minutes.”
A guest might ask, “Can I leave my luggage at the reception before my room is ready?”
A hotel employee might say, “Please contact the reception if you need any extra towels or toiletries during your stay.”

27. Lobby

The lobby is the main entrance area of a hotel where guests can relax, wait, or socialize. It often has seating areas, a front desk, and sometimes amenities like a bar or lounge.

For instance, “Let’s meet in the lobby before heading out for dinner.”
A guest might comment, “The lobby of this hotel is so elegant and spacious.”
A hotel employee might say, “Feel free to wait in the lobby while we prepare your room.”

28. Banquet/meeting room

A banquet or meeting room is a space within a hotel where events, conferences, or gatherings can be held. It is typically equipped with tables, chairs, and audiovisual equipment.

For example, “The conference will be held in the banquet room on the second floor.”
A guest might ask, “Is there a meeting room available for a small business presentation?”
A hotel employee might say, “We can arrange the banquet room according to your specific event requirements.”

29. Elevator

An elevator is a vertical transportation device that moves people or goods between different floors of a hotel. It is commonly used to access guest rooms, restaurants, or other facilities.

For instance, “Take the elevator to the 5th floor and turn left.”
A guest might ask, “Are there any stairs near the elevator in case of an emergency?”
A hotel employee might say, “Please use the elevator keycard to access the guest room floors.”

30. Stairs/stairway

Stairs or a stairway is a series of steps that connects different levels within a hotel. It is an alternative to using elevators and is often used for exercise or in case of emergencies.

For example, “Let’s take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator.”
A guest might comment, “The stairway near my room is well-lit and easy to navigate.”
A hotel employee might say, “In case of a fire alarm, please use the stairs to evacuate the building.”

31. Hallway/corridor

The hallway or corridor refers to the long, narrow space that connects different rooms or areas in a hotel. It serves as a pathway for guests to navigate through the building.

For example, a guest might ask, “Where is the fitness center? Is it down this hallway?”
A hotel staff member might say, “Please keep the noise level down in the corridors to ensure a peaceful environment for all guests.”
A guest might comment, “The artwork displayed in the hotel corridors adds a touch of elegance to the space.”

32. Emergency exit

An emergency exit is a designated route for guests to quickly and safely leave the hotel in case of an emergency, such as a fire or earthquake.

For instance, a hotel staff member might point out, “The emergency exit is located at the end of the hallway, to your right.”
A guest might ask, “Are there any emergency exits on this floor?”
During a fire drill, a hotel staff member might instruct guests, “Please proceed calmly to the nearest emergency exit and gather in the designated assembly area.”

33. Guesthouse

A guesthouse is a small, cozy accommodation within a hotel that provides a more intimate and homely experience for guests. It typically offers fewer rooms and personalized services.

For example, a guest might say, “I prefer staying in a guesthouse rather than a large hotel because it feels more like a home.”
A hotel staff member might recommend, “If you’re looking for a quiet and charming place to stay, our guesthouse is a perfect choice.”
A guest might leave a review, “The guesthouse had a lovely garden and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”

34. Retreat

A retreat refers to a designated area within a hotel where guests can relax, unwind, and escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It often includes amenities such as a spa, pool, or outdoor seating.

For instance, a hotel staff member might suggest, “If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, our retreat area is the perfect spot.”
A guest might comment, “The retreat at this hotel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.”
A hotel advertisement might highlight, “Indulge in ultimate relaxation at our luxurious retreat, complete with a state-of-the-art spa and tranquil gardens.”

35. Spa

A spa is a facility within a hotel that offers a variety of treatments and services aimed at promoting relaxation, rejuvenation, and overall well-being. It often includes amenities such as massage rooms, saunas, and jacuzzis.

For example, a guest might say, “I had an amazing massage at the hotel spa. It was so relaxing.”
A hotel staff member might recommend, “Don’t miss out on our spa’s signature facial treatment. It’s incredibly refreshing.”
An advertisement for a hotel might entice guests with, “Unwind and pamper yourself at our world-class spa, where blissful relaxation awaits.”

36. Hideaway

A hideaway refers to a small, secluded and often secret place where one can find refuge or escape from the outside world. It is a term often used to describe a hotel or inn that offers privacy and seclusion.

For example, “We found the perfect hideaway in the mountains, surrounded by nature.”
A traveler might say, “I stumbled upon a charming hideaway in the heart of the city.”
A couple might plan a romantic getaway and say, “Let’s book a hideaway for our anniversary.”

37. Motor Court

A motor court is a type of hotel or motel that is designed with individual rooms facing a central parking area. It is a term commonly used to describe a hotel that caters to travelers with vehicles.

For instance, “The motor court we stayed at had convenient parking right outside our room.”
A road trip enthusiast might say, “Motor courts are a great option for those who prefer to drive and stay in different places.”
A traveler might recommend, “If you’re road tripping, look for a motor court for a convenient stay.”

38. Flophouse

A flophouse is a derogatory term used to describe a cheap and rundown establishment that offers basic and often substandard accommodation. It is typically associated with transient or low-income individuals.

For example, “He had no money, so he ended up staying in a flophouse for a few nights.”
A traveler on a tight budget might say, “I stayed in a flophouse to save money, but it wasn’t the most comfortable experience.”
Someone might warn, “Avoid the flophouses in that area, they are known for their poor conditions.”

39. Trysting Place

A trysting place refers to a discreet location where individuals meet, often for romantic or illicit purposes. It is a term occasionally used to describe a hotel or inn that offers privacy and discretion for couples or clandestine meetings.

For instance, “They booked a trysting place to celebrate their anniversary in private.”
A person planning a surprise might say, “I found the perfect trysting place for our special evening.”
A couple in a secret relationship might discuss, “We need to find a trysting place where no one will recognize us.”

40. Roadside Inn

A roadside inn is a hotel or motel located along a highway or major road, offering convenient accommodation for travelers. It is a term commonly used to describe a hotel that caters to those on a road trip or in need of a quick stopover.

For example, “After a long day of driving, we decided to stay at a roadside inn for the night.”
A traveler might say, “Roadside inns are perfect for when you need a comfortable place to rest during a long journey.”
Someone planning a road trip might recommend, “Look for roadside inns along your route for convenient and affordable stays.”

41. Vacation Rental

A vacation rental is a property, typically a house or apartment, that is rented out to travelers for a short period of time. It provides an alternative to traditional hotels and allows guests to have a more home-like experience during their vacation.

For example, “We booked a vacation rental in the heart of the city for our trip.”
A traveler might say, “I prefer vacation rentals because they offer more space and privacy than hotels.”
Someone planning a family vacation might ask, “Does anyone have recommendations for vacation rentals near the beach?”

42. Casino

A casino is a facility that offers various forms of gambling, such as slot machines, table games, and poker. It is often associated with luxury hotels and resorts, and attracts both tourists and locals looking for entertainment and the chance to win money.

For instance, “We spent the evening at the casino playing blackjack and roulette.”
A person discussing their trip might mention, “The hotel we stayed at had a casino on the premises.”
Someone might ask, “Are there any good casinos in this city?”

43. Hostelry

A hostelry is a term used to refer to a traditional inn or hotel. It typically conveys a sense of warmth, hospitality, and a cozy atmosphere.

For example, “We stayed at a charming hostelry in the countryside.”
A person might say, “I love the old-world charm of hostelry hotels.”
Someone planning a romantic getaway might ask, “Can anyone recommend a romantic hostelry with a fireplace?”

44. Pension

A pension is a type of accommodation that is similar to a boarding house or small hotel. It often provides basic amenities and meals for guests, and is typically more affordable than larger hotels.

For instance, “We stayed at a pension during our backpacking trip.”
A traveler might say, “Pensions are a great option for budget travelers.”
Someone might ask, “Are there any good pensions in this area?”

45. Cabana

A cabana is a small, private structure typically found near a pool or beach area. It provides shade, seating, and sometimes even amenities like a mini fridge or changing area. Cabanas are often associated with luxury resorts and hotels.

For example, “We rented a cabana by the pool for the day.”
A person might say, “I love relaxing in a cabana with a good book.”
Someone planning a vacation might ask, “Do any hotels have cabanas available for rent?”

46. Homestay

A homestay refers to a form of accommodation where travelers stay in the home of a local host. It provides a more personal and immersive experience compared to traditional hotels or hostels.

For example, “During my trip to Bali, I opted for a homestay to experience the local culture.”
A traveler might say, “I enjoyed my homestay in Tokyo because the host gave me insider tips on the best places to eat.”
Another traveler might recommend, “If you’re looking for an affordable and authentic stay, consider booking a homestay instead of a hotel.”