Resort vs hotel - what's the difference?
A resort is a destination in itself, with pools, restaurants and activities on site, while a hotel mainly offers a place to stay. Compare both and book on trip1.
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What's the difference between a resort and a hotel?
A resort is built to be your whole holiday, while a hotel is built to be your place to stay. On trip1, you can book both in 190+ countries and pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, USDC and 50+ other cryptocurrencies.
Resort vs hotel at a glance
| Resort | Hotel | |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | A destination in itself | A base for exploring |
| Location | Beach, mountain, island or countryside | City centre, business district or near transport |
| Size | Large grounds, often several buildings | Usually a single building |
| Dining | Several restaurants and bars | Often one restaurant, or none |
| Activities | Pools, spa, sports, kids' clubs, entertainment | Sometimes a gym or pool |
| Extra fees | Daily resort fee at some properties | Less common |
| Meal plans | All-inclusive and full board are common | Room only or breakfast is common |
| Best for | Relaxing holidays, families, honeymoons | City breaks, business trips, short stays |
What to expect at a resort
- Several pools, and beach or ski access depending on the location
- Multiple restaurants and bars
- A spa, fitness centre, and sports or water activities
- Kids' clubs and evening entertainment at family resorts
- All-inclusive or full-board meal plans at many resorts
Many resorts, particularly in the US, charge a daily resort fee that covers facilities such as Wi-Fi, pool towels or the gym. See what resort fees are and whether you pay them at the hotel.
What to expect at a hotel
Hotels range from budget to luxury. You get a room, a reception desk and housekeeping, and larger hotels often add a restaurant, bar, gym or pool. Because hotels tend to be central, you'll usually spend more time exploring and eating out. To choose the right room, see what standard, superior and deluxe room categories mean or what a junior suite is.
Which should you choose?
Choose a resort for a relaxing beach holiday, a family trip with kids' activities, or a honeymoon where you don't want to plan every day. Choose a hotel for city breaks, business trips, or when you want to explore and eat locally. If you pick a resort, compare half board, full board and all-inclusive meal plans to budget for food.
Resort vs hotel - FAQ
Often, but not always. Resorts include more facilities and sometimes meals, so compare the total cost including any resort fee and meal plan.
A resort fee is a mandatory daily charge some properties add for facilities such as Wi-Fi, the pool or the gym. It is often paid at the property, so check the property page before you book.
No. Many resorts offer all-inclusive rates, but others offer room only, breakfast, half board or full board.
Yes. There's no single global standard for the word resort, so check the listed amenities rather than relying on the name.
Resorts are often better for families because they offer pools, kids' clubs and dining on site. A hotel can work better for city trips where you'll be out most of the day.
