The difference between what a hotel and a resort offers has to do with the services they provide, their location, and the activities and amenities available on-site. A resort is usually spread out over more land compared to a hotel. Considering the extra land, there are more activities for guests to partake in. Resorts also usually offer more on- and off-site freebies and discounts to guests. Although a hotel and resort seem similar, the reasons often differ for why guests choose to stay at one over the other.
A hotel and resort are quite different in terms of how much land they’re on. A resort is typically on a substantial amount of property, so its able to have more rooms available for guests as well as plenty of extra space for features such as a golf course. The extra land is also on or near a more natural environment. A hotel is often on just enough land for the parking lot and the building itself. It’s also usually on a main highway so it’s easy for guests to have access to activities in the area.
The amenities and activities available on-site can vary greatly between a hotel and resort. A hotel may have a small fitness room and a business center, but not much else. There may be one eatery, if any, but there will usually only be room service or vending machines available. A resort often has two or more restaurants or lounges in addition to room service. There may also be other activities or amenities available, including on-site music and dancing, sports such as golf or tennis, a large exercise room, computer area, and even a spa.
Another major difference between a hotel and resort is sometimes how many freebies and discounts one offers over the other. While a hotel usually offers a free newspaper, Wi-Fi access and breakfast, the resort offers all that plus much more. It may also offer guests free shuttle service to and from an airport, provide free or discounted tickets to nearby tourist attractions, or have discounts to eateries on and off the property.
Although both a hotel and resort provide guests with a place to sleep, the latter is typically more of a vacation destination in itself because of everything it offers. Those who stay in a hotel are usually only there to sleep or for business meetings or conferences. The area around the hotel is typically what guests are more interested in.