The general word to call someone who stays at a hotel is “guest.” However, there are certain situations where various usage of words would help.
Before becoming a teacher of the English language, I spent five years working as a hotel staff and was trained to use different words to address or interact with guests based on their role and the tone of their communication.
You may be an author, journalist, or professional in the hospitality field, looking to use various terms to refer to hotel guests in your works.
Or maybe you’re simply discussing your experiences or plans related to hotel stays and need a word for someone who stays there. This article has all you need.
Words For Someone Who Stays At A Hotel
- Guest
- Lodger
- Patron
- Visitor
- Roomer
- Tenant
- Border
- Sojourner
- Resident
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- “Guest” is the most common and neutral term for someone staying at a hotel. It’s widely accepted and will work for all situations.
- “Lodger” is a bit more formal and old-fashioned than “guest.” It implies a longer-term stay and is more suitable for describing someone renting a room or apartment in a residential building.
- If it’s a high-end hotel and you want to convey a sense of exclusivity and personalized service, the term “Patron” is more fitting.
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Above are my top three best word choices for someone who stays at a hotel, and in the rest of this article, I will tell you why.
I will also show you how to use these terms in sentences. So I encourage you to read to the end.
Guest
“Guest” is the best word to describe someone staying at a hotel because it’s a term that everyone can easily grasp, no matter where they’re from
Hotels have been using this term for a very long time. It sounds professional and welcoming, creating a good impression. There’s a reason why this is so.
“Guest” emphasizes that the hotel is focused on caring for the people staying there rather than just seeing them as customers.
It shows that the hotel is there to make their stay comfortable and enjoyable.
A look at Collins Dictionary shows that guests are described as paying hotel or restaurant customers. So instead of outrightly calling them “customers,” courtesy demands that you call them “guests.”
Whether alone, with family, or in a group, “Guest” works for everyone. It’s a flexible word.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- The hotel offers a diverse menu that caters to the tastes of every guest, from gourmet cuisine to casual dining options
- Welcome, dear guest, to our luxurious hotel. We hope you have a splendid stay
Lodger
According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, a lodger pays rent to live in somebody’s house. So, it may not directly underlie the meaning of staying in a hotel, but it works, especially for official purposes.
Hotels use this word in contracts and rules. It helps make things clear for both the hotel and the guest.
Meanwhile, in some parts of the world, a lodger is seen as someone who rents a room in a private residence, often on a more long-term basis.
In such a situation, they share common living spaces with the owner or other occupants of the house.
So consider this factor before using this word.
Also, in some situations, using more courteous or respectful language is preferred. Instead of saying “lodger,” you might opt for phrases like “hotel guest” or “patron” when discussing guests at a hotel.
These terms convey a higher level of respect and hospitality than a lodger.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- The hotel welcomed a new lodger last night, a traveler from abroad who will be staying with us for a week.
- The friendly staff ensured that every lodger at the cozy inn had a comfortable and memorable experience during their stay.
- As a lodger at the luxurious resort, you’ll have access to the spa, fine dining, and breathtaking ocean views throughout your vacation.
Patron
When we say “patron,” we mean someone using the hotel’s services, like a guest.
Long ago, “patron” was used for people who supported a business. Staying at a hotel helps it, so the word fits.
Little wonder why DIctionary.com defines “patron” as a customer, client, or paying guest, especially a regular one of a hotel or the like.
In legal and business contexts, the term “patron” is often used to define the relationship between a hotel and its guests. So, it works well for formal settings, too.
The best part of this word choice is that it also adds a touch of politeness to interactions between hotel staff and guests.
It implies a certain level of mutual respect and professionalism.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- Thank you for choosing our hotel. We look forward to welcoming you as our valued patron during your stay.
- Our establishment takes pride in offering top-notch amenities and exceptional service to our patrons
Visitor
A visitor is someone who goes to a place for a specific purpose.
So when someone checks into a hotel, they go to a place (the hotel) with a clear intention: to stay temporarily away from their homes.
A significant reason “visitor” is the correct word for someone staying at a hotel is because the primary function of a hotel is to accommodate guests.
Visitors seek a comfortable and convenient place to rest, just as they would if they were visiting someone else’s home.
Using “visitor” when talking about hotel guests helps avoid confusion, too. When you use this term, people already understand that you’re not referring to long-term residents or permanent occupants of other housing types.
The bottom line is that “Visitor” is a term used globally to describe hotel guests, and you can never go wrong with using this word for someone who stays at a hotel.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- The hotel staff warmly welcomed the visitors as they checked in, ensuring their stay would be comfortable and enjoyable.
- The conference organizers arranged special discounts for out-of-town visitors attending the event, making it convenient for them to book rooms at nearby hotels.
- During the peak tourist season, the coastal town’s hotels often have a surge in visitors seeking a seaside getaway.
Roomer
There are various definitions and interpretations of who a roomer is across multiple sources and bodies of knowledge.
For example, Collins Dictionary defines it as someone who rents a room or rooms to live in, while other sources say it’s a “lodger” or “a tenant in someone’s house.”
The truth is that they all mean the same thing.
In the context of a hotel, a “roomer” is someone who has rented a room for a temporary period, especially for lodging purposes.
The root word of “roomer” is “room.” In a hotel, a room refers to a designated space where guests can sleep, relax, and conduct their activities.
You might even encounter the term “roomer” in hotel-related discussions, reservations, or reviews.
However, if you’re filling official documents such as legal contracts, reservation confirmations, or government forms, it’s better to use terms like “guest” to refer to someone staying at a hotel.
Take a look at some example sentences that include this term:
- The hotel manager greeted the new roomer with a warm welcome, providing information about the amenities and services available during their stay.
- During the busy tourist season, the hotel had a full house with roomers from various parts of the world, all eager to explore the local attractions.
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If you are discussing your experience or plans related to hotel stays, it’s natural to want to use different words casually to describe people staying at the hotel.
You may even find yourself writing an article or poem and need a diverse vocabulary to add depth to your characters or settings in stories involving hotels.
Fortunately, you can always revert to this article to pick different words for someone who stays at a hotel, so long as you bookmark this page.
I hope you found this article helpful.
