Term

Definition

A la Carte Menu

A menu of food and drinks in which each item is individually listed and priced.

All Inclusive

Includes: 3 meals, snacks, drinks, kids' programs, and the use of other specified facilities.

B&B - Bed and Breakfast

1) A small scale hotel that provides a room and a breakfast. A B&B may also be a residential home setting and/or a historic building.
2) Room rate that includes the price of the room and breakfast. Also referred to as a Continental Plan

Bellboy

Hotel employee who assists guests by carrying their luggage and running errands for them.

Boutique Hotel

Historical building refurbished and redesigned into a small scale luxury hotel. Boutique hotels are often themed.

Continental Breakfast

A small breakfast which usually includes coffee/tea, and pastries.

Double Deluxe Room

A larger room with a lounge area.

Double Occupancy Rate

Rate is based on a per-person charge for 2 people in a room.

Double Room

Room accommodating 2 guests. May include a  double or queen size bed.

Early Arrival

Guest arrives to the hotel before the specified date or time of their reservation.

Early Makeup

Room status term indicating that a guest has reserved an early check-in time or has requested their room to be cleaned as soon as possible.

English Breakfast

An elaborate breakfast which usually includes: eggs, cereals, veggies, fruit, meat or fish, breads, beverages and preserves.

Excutive Floor

Hotel floor that offers first-class services to business and other travelers.

Executive Housekeeper

Manages the housekeeping department in a hotel.

Executive Room

Luxury room accommodating 1-2 guests. Usually offers exclusive services and amenities.

Extended Stay

Hotel that offers guest services for long periods of time and often offer weekly rates.

Facilities

Physical features of a hotel such as: accommodation, restaurants, bars, and meeting rooms.

Family Rate

Package room rate for parents and children occupying one guestroom.

Full Board (FB)

Includes 3 meals a day.

Guest Account

Record of a guest's charges and credits. Items may include: drinks at the bar, food purchases, movie rentals etc. The bill is maintained by hotel the hotel until check-out. It is also referred to as a guest bill, guest folio, and/or guest statement.

Guest Amenities

This term is used for the range of disposable items provided in guest room bathrooms. This includes: shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, shower caps, etc… The cost of these items are built into room rate.

Guest History

A record maintained for each guest who has stayed at the hotel with a separate entry for each visit and details of pertinent preferences.

Guest Service Directory

Package of documents and listings of hotel features & services as well as useful information about the surrounding area. The Directory is usually available in each room.

Half Board (HB)

Includes 2 meals (breakfast and usually dinner) a day.

Hotelier

Owner or manager of a hotel.

Incidental Charges

Charges for services not included in the package such as: phone calls, food, drinks, movies, etc.

Independent Hotel

Hotel with no chain affiliation or franchise.

Mini Bar

A small floor mounted refrigerator containing a variety of beverages and snacks located in guest rooms.

Occupancy

Refers to the use and / or booking of a room by a guest.

Rack Rate

A full, undiscounted room rate charge published for each accommodation as established by the hotel's management.

Reception

Also referred to as the front desk. This is a designated area in the hotel lobby where guests: are received, are checked-in, are checked-out, make requests, complaints and are offered general assistance.

Resident Manager

Manager in charge of the rooms. In some cases, the resident manager may also be in charge of security.

Room Service

Guest orders and receives food and beverages to their room.

Safety Deposit Boxes

Individual boxes provided for the safekeeping of guest valuables.

Single Room

Room accommodating 1 guest. Usually includes a single or double bed.

Star Rating:
1 Star Hotel

Low budget hotels. May not have maid service or room service.

Star Rating:
2 Star Hotel

Budget hotels. Usually offer maid service and room service.

Star Rating:
3 Star Hotel

Middle class hotels that are moderately priced. Usually offers daily maid and room services, pool access and internet access.

Star Rating:
4 Star Hotel

Luxury hotel. Offers a variety of personalized services. Also, often includes the use of a spa and fitness facilities

Star Rating:
5 Star Hotel

First-class hotel. Usually the most expensive. Catering to the needs of the most extravagant guests. Often include a private golf course.

Star Rating:
None Star Hotel

These accommodation facilities include: motels, cottages, bungalows and others with limited services.

Traditional Lodging

Guests pay nightly rates for single rooms or suites and have full access to the hotel's range of amenities and services. Rates begin at "rack" but vary based on: time of week, season, nearby events and attractions.

Vacancy

Refers to the availability of an empty room in a hotel or other accommodation facility.

Wake Up call

A request made by a guest to have the front desk call them in order to wake them up by a certain time in the morning.

Walk in Guest

Guest who checks in without having made a reservation.