The most common type of accommodation in the hotel industry, a hotel is defined as an establishment that offers overnight accommodation, meals and other services. They are mainly aimed at travelers or tourists, although locals may also use them.

In the global tourism industry of 2026, a hotel is defined as a commercial establishment providing short-term paid accommodation, meals, and a variety of guest services. Beyond just being a place to sleep, hotels serve as the "backbone" of the tourism infrastructure, often acting as the primary hub for a traveler's local experience. They are classified into diverse categories: Resort Hotels for leisure, Convention Hotels for business, Boutique Hotels for unique cultural immersion, and Economy Hotels for budget-conscious transit. A 2026 hotel is characterized by its "front of house" (reception, concierge) and "back of house" (housekeeping, maintenance) operations that work in tandem to ensure safety and comfort. In the modern era, hotels are also increasingly evaluated on their "sustainability score," including their use of renewable energy and their impact on the local community's economy and labor market.