Are you finding it difficult to settle on a place to stay for your upcoming vacation? While it’s only too easy for marketing teams to use flashy websites and glossy photos to make hotels and resorts look like the perfect choice of accommodation for your trip, only too often, the reality can turn out to be somewhat of a shock when you arrive at your accommodation.
One of the main reasons why travellers end up staying somewhere that doesn’t live up to their expectations, is simply because they didn’t understand the difference between staying in a resort or a hotel when they made their booking. After all, some resorts seem to refer to themselves interchangeably as both a hotel, and a resort, with a similar story applying to hotels too. So, what actually differentiates a resort from a hotel, and vice versa?
What is a holiday resort?
In its simplest sense, a holiday resort is a one-stop vacation spot where all your travel requirements are met on-site, with the exception of any booked excursions which you may need to leave the resort for (although usually, round-trip transport will be provided to and from the resort).
Most holiday resorts will feature several on-site restaurants, bars and perhaps even a nightclub, as well as shopping facilities, entertainment, health and sports facilities, and more. Often, holiday resorts will be located in picturesque places, with outstanding views and easy access to popular facilities. Sometimes, there will be different levels of resort-based accommodation to choose from. For example, the Florida Amelia island hotels offer stunning views of the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway, and all are just a short drive from the island’s many attractions. Visitors can choose from luxury resorts, cosy bed and breakfasts, or family-friendly hotels, all of which offer a unique experience.
What makes a hotel different from a resort?
The main difference between a hotel and a resort is that resorts typically offer more amenities than hotels. As we’ve touched upon already, most resorts benefit from on-site restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities. Some resorts also offer adventure or outdoors sports like horseback riding, hiking, and climbing. In contrast, hotels don’t typically provide such a great range of amenities, although some luxury hotels will have on-site restaurants and bars.
The primary distinction between hotels and resorts is that hotels often serve only as places to sleep. Still, resorts offer additional opportunities for solitude, entertainment, and activities while you’re there. Most of the time, you’ll have to leave the hotel grounds to find all you need while on vacation, even if some hotels offer extra rooms for conferences and other special events.
Furthermore, customer service on a luxury resort will often far exceed that available at a hotel of a similar standard, with many resorts allocating guests their own personal waiter for the duration of their stay, for example.
Using resorts to get the most out of your vacation
If you want to get the most out of your vacation, consider staying in a resort as opposed to a hotel. Resorts can offer you several different amenities and activities that you might not be able to find elsewhere.
Here are just a few of the reasons to consider staying on a resort on your next holiday:
- All-inclusive experience
One of the most popular reasons that travellers choose to stay on a resort is so that they can benefit from all-inclusive drinks and/or food, paying a fixed price for the privilege of being able to order unlimited food and/or drinks (with some limitations). In some cases, going all-inclusive can help you to save money on the cost of food or drink outside your holiday resort.
- A more relaxing experience
If you’re looking for somewhere to relax and unwind, a resort might be the perfect option for you. After all, resort staff are usually trained to provide guests with a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
- Various activities
A resort is an excellent option if you’re looking for a vacation that offers more than just lying on the beach, or lounging around next to the pool. Many resorts provide lots of different activities to entertain guests, from the likes of golf, to more adventurous sports like skiing. Not only can this increase your chances of having a good time, but it’ll also help you to stay active while on vacation.
- Unique experience
A resort might be the perfect option if you’re looking for a truly memorable vacation, filled with experiences that you’ll want to remember forever. Resorts can offer unique, intimate experiences, like access to exclusive beaches or private islands, private pools and jacuzzis, for example.
- Family-friendly experience
If you’re looking for a genuinely family-friendly vacation, a resort will usually win over a hotel. Resorts can offer different activities and amenities geared towards families, such as kid-friendly pools and playgrounds, whereas hotels will often be geared towards catering for a more general audience of holiday-makers, with less provisions made for families with young children.
- More romantic
If you’re seeking a romantic getaway with your partner, you should definitely think about treating yourselves to a resort stay. Resorts offer different amenities and intimate experiences geared towards bringing couples together, from couples’ massages to candlelit dinners on the beach.
Do you prefer staying at a resort or a hotel? Share your thoughts and experiences with other readers by commenting below.