A hotel is a service establishment with a commercial purpose where someone can stay overnight or find shelter (Latin hospitalis = hospitable). Unlike bed and breakfast structures (B & Bs), these are larger facilities for tens to tens of thousands of guests. Also hostels are generally not classified as hotels, these facilities are mainly different because there are fewer facilities for private use (there is less privacy).
Many hotels can be found in and around city centers of larger cities, especially near major train stations. In addition, several companies can be found at and around larger airports. Many smaller places also have one or a few hotels and especially for through travelers, there are the necessary accommodations around motorways and highways.
Room
Almost every hotel has single and double rooms. Sometimes a third bed can be added. A room is generally equipped with:
- Bathroom with shower and toilet
- telephone (calls must be paid for)
- television
- free WIFI
- safe for valuables
Rooms at many hotels also have a minibar.
Key
In some hotels, the guest is still given a key to the room door. There is a large key ring attached to it, which makes it easy for the guest to forget to hand in the key upon departure.
Hotels are increasingly using a chip card or a numerical code instead of a key. The ticket or code will automatically become invalid upon departure, so it is no problem if the ticket is not returned. The same card is placed in the room in a switch (box) that activates the electricity. In this way, the guest cannot leave the light on or otherwise waste electricity when leaving the room.
There are also so-called self-service hotels. The guest pays with his credit card at the outside door. He will then receive a number code for both the outer door and the room door.