A hotel is an institution that provides paid accommodation to clients, usually on a short-term basis. Hotels come in a number of different sizes and shapes, and they are located all over the world.

Hotels, especially more nowadays, offer additional services to clients. These services can include restaurants, bars, laundry services, swimming pool, and gym. Due to the remote working technology boom, more and more hotels offer 24 hour Internet access (WiFi is particularly common in big cities), and high tech conference centers.

Hotels differ from motels in the sense that motels cater specifically to motorists, whereas hotels tend to be a little more up market and a car is not necessary to get to it. Hotels are more private institutions and generally cost more than motels.

The term 'hotel' generally signifies the same meaning all over the world, but can mean different things in different countries. For example, in Australia, a hotel can be an establishment that acts as a bar or public house without offering accommodation. In India, a hotel can be simply a posh restaurant where one can dine formally. The significance of this comes from up market hotels traditionally having equally up market restaurants in its vicinity.

A hostel is a cheaper variation of hotels that is more common nowadays, and they commonly cater to backpackers and students. Rooms are shared typically with between 3 and 6 others dorm style. Additional services are not usually offered, although some offer light, continental breakfasts at no additional cost.