What is hotel? Pronunciation and usage in English

hotel means . Learn how to pronounce and use hotel through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of hotel

hotelnoun

/ˌhəʊˈtɛl//hə(ʊ)ˈtɛl/
Definition & pronunciation of hotel

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "hotel" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ˈhoʊt(ə)l

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. ˈhoʊ: This is the first syllable and it rhymes with "toe" or "low." The "h" is silent. The "o" makes a short, open "o" sound (like in "hot").
  2. tə: This is a schwa sound (ə). It’s a very weak, unstressed vowel sound. It's like a very quick "uh" sound. It's often difficult to hear, but it's there.
  3. l: This is a simple “l” sound, like in “light.”

Important Notes:

  • The "e" in "hotel" is usually silent. Don’t say it! It’s a common mistake.
  • The "t" can be slightly softened or "flapped" in American English, sometimes sounding closer to a "d" sound. It's a very subtle difference.
  • Regional Variations: You might hear slight variations in pronunciation depending on where you are in the English-speaking world. For example, in some British accents, the "t" might be more pronounced.

Resources for Hearing it:

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  • Focus on the differences between American and British pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word hotel in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hotel" in English. It's a fairly straightforward word, but understanding its nuances will help you use it correctly and effectively.

1. Basic Definition:

  • A hotel is a building where people can pay to stay overnight. It provides accommodation, meals, and often other services like room service, a pool, and a gym.

2. Common Ways to Use "Hotel":

  • As a noun (the main thing):

    • "We're staying at a hotel in downtown Chicago." (This is the most common usage)
    • "The hotel was very clean and comfortable."
    • "I need to book a hotel room for the weekend."
    • "She works at a luxury hotel."

  • With prepositions:

    • "We checked into the hotel at 3 pm."
    • “I booked a room at the hotel online.”
    • "He left his luggage at the hotel reception."
    • “We enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the hotel restaurant.”

  • Referring to a type of establishment:

    • "I prefer to stay in smaller, family-run hotels."
    • "This is a boutique hotel with unique décor."
    • "All-inclusive hotels are great for families." (These include meals and drinks in the price)

  • Part of phrases:

    • Hotel reservation: Making a booking. "I need to make a hotel reservation."
    • Hotel lobby: The main reception area. "Let's meet you at the hotel lobby."
    • Hotel room: The individual sleeping quarters. "We had a beautiful view from our hotel room."
    • Hotel staff: The employees of the hotel. "The hotel staff were very helpful."

3. Synonyms (Words with similar meanings):

  • Inn
  • Motel
  • Resort (often implies more amenities and leisure activities)
  • Accommodation (a more general term)

4. Examples in Sentences:

  • "The hotel has a rooftop pool overlooking the city."
  • "We searched for a hotel with free Wi-Fi."
  • "I accidentally left my phone at the hotel – can you help me find it?"
  • “Don’t forget to tip the hotel bellhop."

5. Tips for Using "Hotel" Correctly:

  • Capitalization: “Hotel” is typically not capitalized unless it’s part of a proper name (like “The Ritz-Carlton Hotel”).
  • Plural: The plural form is “hotels.” “We stayed at two hotels.”

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to do with the word “hotel”? (e.g., write a sentence, describe a place, etc.)
  • Is there a particular context you’re thinking of (e.g., travel, business, describing a building)?

Synonyms for the word hotel

Practice with vocabulary hotel

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The newly renovated five-star ______ boasts stunning views of the city skyline.
  2. Due to the unexpected storm, many travelers were stranded and sought shelter at the nearest available ______.
  3. For those on a tighter budget, a local ______ often provides basic lodging and a chance to meet other backpackers.
  4. Our travel agent handled all the flight arrangements, but we still need to finalize the specific ______ for our stay.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers)

  1. Which of the following describes a large commercial building offering rooms and services for travelers and tourists, usually for a fee? a) apartment block b) hotel c) guesthouse d) hostel e) lodging

  2. If you're looking for temporary accommodation with amenities like room service, a reception desk, and perhaps a gym, where might you stay? a) an office building b) a motel c) a hotel d) a private residence e) a resort

  3. The travel team decided to book an executive suite at a luxurious five-star establishment for their client's visit. They chose a well-known ______ in the city center. a) inn b) hostel c) hotel d) lodge e) pension

  4. Before checking out, guests typically return their room keys or access cards to the ______. a) lobby b) concierge c) reception d) manager's office e) bellhop

  5. For extended business trips, some companies prefer booking a fully-equipped ______ apartment, offering more space and kitchen facilities than a typical room. a) resort b) serviced c) private d) guesthouse e) temporary

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The management team arranged for all their international visitors to have comfortable lodging near the conference venue. Rewrite (using "hotel" or related word forms):

  2. Original: The person responsible for overseeing the operations of the five-star establishment ensured excellent customer service. Rewrite (using "hotel" or related word forms):

  3. Original: For our family vacation, we chose a place with several swimming pools and a kids' club by the sea. Rewrite (do not use "hotel", but use a suitable replacement word):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. hotel
  2. hotel
  3. hostel
  4. accommodation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) hotel
  2. b) motel, c) hotel, e) resort
  3. c) hotel
  4. c) reception
  5. b) serviced

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The management team arranged for all their international visitors to stay in a comfortable hotel near the conference venue.
  2. The hotelier overseeing the operations of the five-star establishment ensured excellent customer service.
  3. For our family vacation, we chose a resort with several swimming pools and a kids' club by the sea.

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