Hotel Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast
A Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is a private home in which guests can be accommodated at night in private bedrooms (which may or may not have private bathrooms).
The owner or manager lives in the house or on the property. The public areas of the house, such as kitchen and lounge have either limited access for guests, or are shared with the host family to some degree.
The business may be run as a secondary occupation.
Breakfast is included in the price (generally either continental or full-English). Other meals may be available by arrangement.

Backpacker Hostel
A hostel (or backpacker) establishment is aimed at the budget traveller and generally attracts a younger clientele.
Bedrooms are in a dormitory style (shared) and bathrooms are shared, although private bedrooms may be available.
Light meals may be available in addition to the room rate.

Boutique Hotel
A boutique hotel is a 5 star establishment providing all the features and facilities of a normal hotel, in a unique and exclusive style.
These properties are generally small, feature top class service and are marketed to the affluent.

Guest House
A guesthouse is generally a private home which has been converted for the dedicated and exclusive use of guest accommodation.
The public areas of the establishment are for the exclusive use of the guests. The owner or manager either lives off-site, or in an entirely separate area within the property.
A Guesthouse offers a wider range of services than a B&B, and usually caters for all meals.

Hotel
A hotel is generally the largest of all accommodation types.
There is typically a common reception area, and rooms generally open directly onto a hallway.
The on-site restaurant and other facilities are more accessible to the public than the other accommodation types.
A wide range of guest services is available, such as room service.
Hotels are often members of larger hotel groups, and a similar accommodation experience may be available in different establishments within the group.

Lodge
A lodge is an accommodation facility which is located and designed to optimize the feeling of being closely in touch with nature.
The building style should feature natural materials and colouring such as wood, stone and thatch.
An outdoor experience should be offered at the lodge, such as guided walks, game drives etc.

Private Home
A private home not dedicated for full time occupation of guests, but is a private house or apartment which is temporarily available for rental, often during peak tourism seasons.

Resort
A spread out collection of single or double story accommodation units.
Similar to a hotel in that it offers a wide range of facilities.
Units may be rented and available on time-share.
A camping area may be included in the resort.

Self-Catering
A self catering establishment may be primarily one of the other accommodation types, but also offers dedicated self catering facilities.
The unit should feature a fully equipped kitchen to cater for the maximum people to be accommodated (including fridge, stove, cutlery, crockery, cooking utensils, cleaning equipment).
The kitchen should be for the exclusive use of the guests, and not shared.