Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hotel | /oˈtɛl/ | masculine |
| albergo | /alˈbɛr.ɡo/ | masculine |
Both words are used to describe an establishment that provides accommodation. Albergo is the native Italian term, while hotel is a loanword.
Which one should you use?
While both mean the same thing, albergo is the native Italian word and often carries a slightly more traditional or formal connotation compared to the more common hotel.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain regions of northern Italy, the word locanda is occasionally used to refer to smaller, family-run hotels. In the Puglia region of southern Italy, the term masseria is used for historical, renovated farmhouses that have been converted into hotels. Additionally, the term albergo diffuso, which means scattered hotel, describes a specific type of accommodation prevalent in southern Italy.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because hotel is a masculine loanword in Italian, it uses the masculine indefinite article, such as in un hotel. Both hotel and albergo are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/oˈtɛl/
Did you know?
- The native word albergo shares a surprising history with the English word 'army', as it stems from a Germanic term meaning 'shelter for an army'.
- In Italy, the concept of an albergo diffuso involves a village acting as a single hotel. Instead of one large building, guest rooms and breakfast areas are spread across existing houses throughout the town.
Examples in context
- È in hotel ora.She's at the hotel now.This sentence is useful for describing someone's current location using hotel.Tatoeba #1340111 by Guybrush88, translation #1186778 by CK
- C'è un hotel lì.There's a hotel there.This sentence is useful for stating the existence of an hotel in a specific location.Tatoeba #9672276 by Nuel, translation #9670732 by shekitten
- Vivo in un hotel.I live in a hotel.This sentence is useful for describing a living situation using hotel.Tatoeba #2377724 by Guybrush88, translation #2377657 by CK
- Mi può consigliare un buon albergo?Can you recommend a good hotel?
- Dove si trova l'hotel più vicino?Where is the nearest hotel located?
- Andiamo a dormire in un alberghetto carino?Shall we sleep in a cute little hotel?
- Sono a corto di denaro, quindi alloggerò in un ostelloI'm short on cash, so I'll stay in a hostel
- 724 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are looking for a place to stay in a new city.
- LorenzoConosci un buon hotel qui vicino?Do you know a good hotel near here?
- ChiaraSì, l'hotel è proprio dietro l'angolo.Yes, the hotel is right around the corner.
- LorenzoÈ un hotel molto costoso?Is it a very expensive hotel?
- ChiaraNo, l'hotel ha prezzi molto ragionevoli.No, the hotel has very reasonable prices.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hotel” translations and entries hotel, albergo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries albergo, hotel, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
