Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Hotel | /hoˈtɛl/ | neuter |
| Gasthof | /ˈɡasthoːf/ | masculine |
The word Hotel is used to describe an establishment that provides accommodation. If you are looking for a specific room within a hotel, you can use the term Hotelzimmer.
Which one should you use?
While Hotel usually refers to larger, modern establishments, Gasthof often refers to a smaller, more traditional inn or guesthouse, which frequently includes a restaurant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Austria and southern Germany, the term Gasthof is used to describe a combination of a guesthouse and a traditional inn. Additionally, in certain regions, particularly in Germany, the term Pension can be used interchangeably with a hotel or guesthouse to refer to a small, family-operated establishment.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Hotel is Hotels. The word Hotel is neuter, while Gasthof is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/hoˈtɛl/
Did you know?
- In some rural areas, a Gasthof may be identified by a hanging wrought-iron sign, a tradition that dates back to when many travelers could not read.
- Many traditional Gasthöfe in the Alps feature a Stube, a cozy wood-paneled room where guests gather for warmth and conversation.
- The word Gasthof contains the word Hof, which means 'yard' or 'court', suggesting that these establishments were historically based around a central courtyard.
Examples in context
- Wo ist das Hotel?Where is the hotel?This sentence is useful for asking for the location of the Hotel.Tatoeba #3751965 by Jens_Odo, translation #2499505 by CM
- Ich bin im Hotel.I'm at the hotel.This sentence is useful for stating that you are currently at the Hotel.Tatoeba #12530028 by mayabe, translation #2549333 by CK
- Er blieb im Hotel.He stayed in the hotel.This sentence is useful for describing that someone stayed in the Hotel.Tatoeba #800112 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #290544 by CK
- Können Sie mir bitte ein Hotel empfehlen?Can you please recommend a hotel to me?
- Ich hätte gerne ein EinzelzimmerI would like a single room.
- 651 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Sarah are discussing their travel plans for the weekend.
- LukasWelches Hotel sollen wir buchen?Which hotel should we book?
- SarahIch möchte in ein großes Hotel.I want to stay in a large hotel.
- LukasDieses Hotel hier sieht gut aus.This hotel here looks good.
- SarahJa, das Hotel gefällt mir auch.Yes, I like the hotel too.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hotel” translations and entries Hotel, Gasthof, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Gasthof, Hotel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
