‘Accommodation’ is any establishment that provides services and facilities to the general public with the purpose of being used as a residence or a sleeping place, i.e. a place providing room and board, lodging. Accommodation properties vary according to the range of facilities and the level of service they offer, spaciousness and decoration of guest rooms and public areas in the building, etc.

Generally, the quality standards of the properties are indicated by category. Here is a list of the major accommodation categories with a brief explanation on each of them. There might be a slight difference in the definitions depending on which country or geographical region the property is located:

Hotel: The largest of all accommodation types, offering a wide variety of services and facilities.

Bed and Breakfast: A private family home with a few rooms, usually offered for a short-stay accommodation, with personal attention to each guest. Breakfast is included in the price. Other meals may be served on request.

Guest House: Privately owned, usually unhosted, whole-house rental. Larger than B&B it may serve meals to guests and general public, or not provide meals at all.

Hostel: This accommodation is especially preferred by young people – backpackers and budget travellers. Dormitories (rooms with bunk beds) with shared facilities are typical for hostels. Some may provide meals.

Self-Catering: Properties, either apartments or villas, cottages, cabins, lodges, etc., that feature a fully-equipped kitchen and all the other amenities, required for meeting basic household needs.

Resort: Holiday units in an area where people go for recreation. Summer or winter leisure activities.

Boutique Accommodation: An establishment having all the features and facilities of a hotel (though usually of a smaller size) in a unique and luxury style, with high level of service.

Relais and Chateau Hotel: Typical for France, Italy, Switzerland. These hotels offer the finest in accommodations and gourmet restaurants, in an exclusive environment.

Chalet: A summer cottage or country house with a sloping roof in the Swiss mountains.
Riad (Ryad, Riyad): A traditionally furnished, comfortable guesthouse in Morocco, in specific architectural style.

Ryokan: Traditional guest rooms in Japan, may be part of a large residence, or a small inn. Offer sleeping on the floor, on a 'futon'.

Hostal: Typical for Spain, Mexico and the countries of the Caribbean region, Central and South America. Hostals are similar to small hotels, but they are cheaper and have their own 3-star rating. Hostals are not ‘(youth) hostels’, although there may be some exceptions; Guesthouses are considered to be their main counterpart in other countries.