Hotels and accommodation – B1 English Vocabulary

Vocabulary/ B1 Vocabulary lessons and / Hotels and accommodation – B1 English Vocabulary

✏️ Exercises
B1 Intermediate Level

Hotels and Accommodation Vocabulary

Learn vocabulary for types of lodging, descriptive adjectives, and travel-related terms

About This Lesson

In this lesson, you will learn about various types of accommodations, the terminology used to describe their features, and the adjectives commonly used in reviews to detail experiences in hotels and other lodging options.

Types of Accommodation (B1 Level)

Collage showing hotels, B&Bs, vacation rentals, guest houses, homestays, resorts, lodges, hostels, and motels.

Infographic of accommodation types: hotel, B&B, vacation rental, homestay, resort, cabin, hostel, motel

Types of Accommodation

There are many different places people stay when travelling. Below is a list of the most common types.

1
Hotel

A building with many rooms where people stay when travelling. Hotels vary in price, facilities, and standards—from luxurious to basic.

2
B&B (Bed and Breakfast)

A small lodging, often in a private home or above a pub. Breakfast is included in the room price.

3
Vacation rental (US) / Holiday let (UK)

An entire flat or house rented exclusively for holiday use. Guests have full private access to all facilities.

4
Guest house

A small, cosy private accommodation, often part of a larger property run by the owner. Similar to a hotel but more intimate.

5
Homestay

Staying in a local family’s home to experience their culture. Meals are often shared, and interaction with the host family is common.

6
Resort

A large hotel with pools, restaurants, shops, and entertainment—all often included in the price.

7
Lodge or Cabin

A small house in rural or mountainous areas. Cabins are typically smaller and more remote; lodges may be larger and more comfortable.

8
Youth hostel

Budget-friendly accommodation, popular with young travellers. Guests usually share dormitory-style rooms.

9
Motel

A roadside hotel designed for motorists, with rooms accessible directly from the parking lot. Always includes parking.

Adjectives Used in Hotel Reviews

Many adjectives are used to describe hotels, staff, rooms, and overall experiences. These are essential for writing reviews or discussing travel experiences.

Staff / Service

Attentive: Listens carefully and responds to requests.
Friendly: Makes guests feel welcome and goes the extra mile.
Helpful: Offers advice and solutions.
Rude: Impolite or has bad manners.
Inattentive: Ignores or fails to respond to guests.
Understaffed: Not enough staff to meet guest needs.

Cleanliness

Spotless: Perfectly clean—cannot be modified (e.g., not 'very spotless').
Untidy: Messy and disorganised.
Dusty: Covered in fine dirt particles.
Dirty: Not cleaned recently.
Stained: Has unremovable marks on surfaces like sheets or carpets.

Space

Spacious: Roomy and comfortable to move around in.
Cramped: Too small and uncomfortable.

Décor

Modern: Contemporary and up-to-date in design.
Great: Highly appreciated style.
Old-fashioned: Outdated; needs updating.

Furniture

Comfortable: Allows guests to relax without discomfort.
Uncomfortable: Causes physical discomfort.
Tatty: Old, worn, and in poor condition.

Bedding

Firm: Solid mattress—not too soft.
Crisp: Very clean, neat, and ironed sheets.
Worn / Overused: Shows heavy use and is in poor condition.

Noise

Quiet / Peaceful: Calm and free from noise—ideal for rest.
Noisy: Full of loud or unpleasant sounds.

Location

Convenient: Close to restaurants, transport, and attractions.
Central: Located in the heart of a city or town.
Inconvenient: Requires extra travel or effort to reach key places.

Price

Cheap: Low cost (opposite of expensive).
Reasonable / Affordable: Fair price that’s easy to pay.
Overpriced: Too expensive for the value received.

Food

Tasty: Good flavour.
Delicious: Extremely tasty—very high praise.
Tasteless / Bland: Lacks flavour.

General Experience

Amazing / Great / Incredible: Highly satisfying and memorable.
Disappointing: Worse than expected; leaves a negative impression.

Positive & Negative Adjectives in Reviews

Vocabulary chart showing descriptive words for service, cleanliness, space, décor, and more.

Adjective chart for hotel reviews: spotless, cramped, friendly, overpriced, etc.