das Hotel, -s

The German word "Hotel" closely mirrors the English word "hotel," which means an establishment that provides paid lodging on a short-term basis. The word is borrowed directly from the French "hôtel," deriving from the same Latin origins. In German, it's pronounced with more emphasis on the first syllable, sounding like "ho-tel." Comparable terms might include "Gasthaus" (inn), "Pension" (guest house), and "Herberge" (hostel). These alternatives generally suggest different types of lodging, with varying levels of services and amenities compared to a hotel which typically offers a broader range of features such as daily housekeeping, reception services, and often an in-house restaurant.