French word

hôtel

Pronunciation

IPA/otɛl/

Meaning

  • masculine nounhotel

Example

Je reste à l'hôtel ce soir.

I am staying at the hotel tonight.

Illustration for hôtel (hotel)

More examples

J'ai appelé l'hôtel pour confirmer ma réservation.

I called the hotel to confirm my reservation.

Core concept

A staffed building where travelers pay for a temporary room and basic services.

Common phrases

  • à l'hôtel

    at the hotel

  • séjourner à l'hôtel

    stay at a hotel

  • réserver une chambre d'hôtel

    book a hotel room

Similar words

auberge: A small homelike lodging house that often serves meals.
pension: A relatively inexpensive small lodging house that usually provides breakfast.
gîte: A short-term holiday rental with self-catering facilities.

Definition in French

Bâtiment ou établissement offrant des chambres payantes pour un hébergement temporaire, accompagné d'un accueil et de services d'entretien.

Word origin

French hôtel comes through Old French hostel and ostel from Latin hospitale, with the lost s marked by the circumflex.

Usage tips

  • Hôtel is masculine, and its silent h permits elision and liaison, as in l'hôtel and un hôtel.

Related words

Word lists with this word