When you travel to Italy, you might need a place to stay. The word for that in Italian is hotel. Yes, it's the same word as in English! This is a very easy one to remember.
You will hear this word often when talking about travel or accommodation. It's a key word for an A1 learner because finding a place to sleep is a basic necessity.
You might be surprised to learn that the Italian word for 'hotel' is... 'hotel'! This is a great example of a cognate, a word that looks and means the same in two different languages. While many Italian words for common objects are quite different from their English counterparts, 'hotel' is one of those easy wins that you can add to your vocabulary right away.
When you're traveling in Italy and looking for a place to stay, you can confidently use the word 'hotel'. You'll often hear it pronounced with a slightly different 'h' sound – sometimes almost silent, sometimes a soft aspirate, but it will be perfectly understood. So, next time you need a 'hotel' in Italy, you already know the word!
§ Understanding 'Hotel' in Italian
- DEFINITION
- A place providing lodging
Alright, let's talk about the word 'hotel' in Italian. It's an easy one, which is great for A1 learners! The good news is that it's the same word as in English. Yes, you heard that right – 'hotel' is 'hotel' in Italian. No complicated translations, no tricky gender to remember if you use it correctly (more on that in a moment). This is a word you'll use constantly when traveling in Italy, so mastering its simple usage is a must.
Vorrei prenotare un hotel a Roma. (I would like to book a hotel in Rome.)
C'è un buon hotel vicino alla stazione? (Is there a good hotel near the station?)
§ Common Mistakes with 'Hotel'
While 'hotel' seems straightforward, there are a couple of pitfalls English speakers often stumble into. Let's make sure you avoid them.
Pronunciation: Even though the spelling is the same, the Italian pronunciation is different. In English, we often don't pronounce the 'h' or it's very soft. In Italian, the 'h' is always silent. So, it's pronounced more like 'oh-TEL' (with the stress on the 'e'). Don't try to aspirate the 'h' at the beginning; just skip it.
Gender and Articles: This is where it gets a little tricky, but it's crucial for sounding natural. In Italian, all nouns have a gender. 'Hotel' is a masculine noun. This means you need to use masculine articles with it.
For a singular 'hotel', you'll use 'un' (a/an) or 'l'' (the, before a vowel). You might be tempted to use 'il' but because 'hotel' starts with a silent 'h' (which acts like a vowel sound for article rules), you use 'l''.
L'hotel è molto bello. (The hotel is very beautiful.)
C'è un hotel qui? (Is there a hotel here?)
For plural, 'hotels', the word itself doesn't change spelling in Italian! This is common for many foreign words adopted into Italian. So you don't add an 's' to make it plural. What changes is the article. For plural 'hotels', you'll use 'gli' (the plural masculine article before a vowel sound).
Gli hotel di Venezia sono cari. (The hotels in Venice are expensive.)
By paying attention to these small details – silent 'h', masculine gender, and correct articles – you'll use 'hotel' like a pro and avoid common mistakes that can make your Italian sound less natural. Keep practicing!
Le savais-tu ?
The word 'hotel' in Italian is a direct borrowing from French and is pronounced with a silent 'h' and stress on the second syllable, similar to its French origin.
Guide de prononciation
- pronouncing the 'h' sound
Niveau de difficulté
short, familiar spelling
short, familiar spelling
short, similar pronunciation to English
short, similar pronunciation to English
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Exemples par niveau
L'hotel è grande.
The hotel is big.
Unmodified noun.
Cerco un hotel.
I am looking for a hotel.
Used with indefinite article 'un'.
Dov'è l'hotel?
Where is the hotel?
Used in a question with 'dov'è' (where is).
Questo è un bell'hotel.
This is a nice hotel.
Used with adjective 'bello' (nice).
Vado in hotel.
I go to the hotel.
Used with preposition 'in' (to/in).
L'hotel ha una piscina.
The hotel has a swimming pool.
Used with 'avere' (to have).
Prenoto un hotel.
I book a hotel.
Used with the verb 'prenotare' (to book).
Quanti hotel ci sono qui?
How many hotels are there here?
Used in a question with 'quanti' (how many).
Ho prenotato una camera doppia in un hotel nel centro di Roma per tre notti.
I booked a double room in a hotel in the center of Rome for three nights.
Feminine noun 'camera' (room) with definite article 'una' (a). 'Nel centro di' means 'in the center of'.
L'hotel offre una colazione a buffet abbondante e una piscina all'aperto.
The hotel offers a rich buffet breakfast and an outdoor swimming pool.
The verb 'offre' (offers) is from 'offrire'. 'Abbondante' (abundant/rich) is an adjective.
Preferisco soggiornare in hotel di lusso, anche se sono più costosi.
I prefer to stay in luxury hotels, even if they are more expensive.
'Soggiornare' (to stay) is an infinitive. 'Di lusso' means 'luxury'.
C'è un ottimo ristorante all'interno dell'hotel, aperto anche ai non ospiti.
There's an excellent restaurant inside the hotel, also open to non-guests.
'C'è' (there is). 'All'interno di' means 'inside of'.
Abbiamo chiesto alla reception dell'hotel di chiamarci un taxi per l'aeroporto.
We asked the hotel reception to call us a taxi for the airport.
'Abbiamo chiesto' (we asked) is passato prossimo. 'Alla reception' (at the reception).
Molti hotel italiani sono a conduzione familiare e offrono un servizio personalizzato.
Many Italian hotels are family-run and offer personalized service.
'A conduzione familiare' (family-run). 'Servizio personalizzato' (personalized service).
Prima di prenotare, leggo sempre le recensioni dell'hotel online per farmi un'idea.
Before booking, I always read the hotel reviews online to get an idea.
'Prima di' (before) followed by an infinitive. 'Farsi un'idea' (to get an idea).
L'hotel si trova in una posizione strategica, a pochi passi dalle principali attrazioni turistiche.
The hotel is in a strategic location, a few steps from the main tourist attractions.
'Si trova' (it is located). 'A pochi passi da' (a few steps from).
L'hotel di lusso offriva una vista mozzafiato sul lago, rendendo il soggiorno indimenticabile.
The luxury hotel offered a breathtaking view of the lake, making the stay unforgettable.
Here 'hotel' is used with the definite article 'L'' (the) because it's a specific hotel. 'Di lusso' means 'luxury'.
Dopo un lungo viaggio, tutto ciò che desideravamo era raggiungere l'hotel e riposare.
After a long journey, all we wanted was to reach the hotel and rest.
'Raggiungere l'hotel' means 'to reach the hotel'. 'E riposare' means 'and to rest'.
Abbiamo prenotato una suite all'hotel più prestigioso della città per la nostra luna di miele.
We booked a suite at the most prestigious hotel in the city for our honeymoon.
'All'hotel' is a contraction of 'a' (at/to) and 'l'hotel'. 'Più prestigioso' means 'most prestigious'.
Il servizio in camera dell'hotel era impeccabile, con una vasta scelta di piatti gourmet.
The hotel's room service was impeccable, with a wide selection of gourmet dishes.
'Il servizio in camera dell'hotel' means 'the hotel's room service'. 'Era impeccabile' means 'was impeccable'.
Nonostante la sua età, l'hotel conservava un fascino antico e un'eleganza senza tempo.
Despite its age, the hotel retained an old charm and timeless elegance.
'Nonostante la sua età' means 'despite its age'. 'Conservava un fascino antico' means 'retained an old charm'.
Per un'esperienza autentica, abbiamo scelto un piccolo hotel boutique nel cuore del centro storico.
For an authentic experience, we chose a small boutique hotel in the heart of the historic center.
'Un piccolo hotel boutique' means 'a small boutique hotel'. 'Nel cuore di' means 'in the heart of'.
L'hotel offriva una navetta gratuita per l'aeroporto, un servizio molto apprezzato dai viaggiatori.
The hotel offered a free shuttle to the airport, a service much appreciated by travelers.
'Offriva una navetta gratuita' means 'offered a free shuttle'. 'Molto apprezzato' means 'much appreciated'.
La direzione dell'hotel ha organizzato un evento speciale per i suoi ospiti più fedeli.
The hotel management organized a special event for its most loyal guests.
'La direzione dell'hotel' means 'the hotel management'. 'Ospiti più fedeli' means 'most loyal guests'.
Expressions idiomatiques
"a gonfie vele"
smooth sailing, very well
Il progetto sta andando a gonfie vele. (The project is going very well.)
neutral"essere in gamba"
to be clever/capable/on the ball
Mio fratello è davvero in gamba. (My brother is really on the ball.)
neutral"fare un buco nell'acqua"
to fail, to be unsuccessful (literally: to make a hole in the water)
Tutti i suoi sforzi hanno fatto un buco nell'acqua. (All his efforts failed.)
neutral"in bocca al lupo!"
good luck! (literally: in the mouth of the wolf!)
Domani hai l'esame? In bocca al lupo! (You have the exam tomorrow? Good luck!)
informal"crepi il lupo!"
thank you! (response to 'in bocca al lupo!') (literally: may the wolf die!)
In bocca al lupo! Crepi il lupo! (Good luck! Thank you!)
informal"non vedere l'ora"
to look forward to, to can't wait
Non vedo l'ora di vederti. (I can't wait to see you.)
neutral"rendere pan per focaccia"
to get one's own back, to retaliate (literally: to give back bread for focaccia)
Ha deciso di rendere pan per focaccia. (He decided to get his own back.)
neutral"costare un occhio della testa"
to cost an arm and a leg (literally: to cost an eye of the head)
Questa macchina costa un occhio della testa. (This car costs an arm and a leg.)
neutral"fare la scarpetta"
to mop up sauce with bread (literally: to make the little shoe)
Non dimenticare di fare la scarpetta con quel sugo delizioso! (Don't forget to mop up that delicious sauce with bread!)
informal"essere al settimo cielo"
to be over the moon, to be extremely happy (literally: to be in the seventh heaven)
Dopo la notizia, ero al settimo cielo. (After the news, I was over the moon.)
neutralFamille de mots
Noms
Adjectifs
Astuces
Same word, same meaning
Good news! The Italian word hotel is the same as in English and has the same meaning. You don't need to learn a new word here!
Pronunciation practice
While the spelling is the same, the pronunciation is slightly different. In Italian, the 'h' is silent, so it's pronounced closer to 'oh-TEL'. Practice saying it out loud!
Listen for context
When you hear 'hotel' in Italian, you'll know exactly what it means. Focus on the surrounding words to understand the full sentence, especially verbs like prenotare (to book).
Use it in sentences
The best way to remember new vocabulary is to use it. Try to create your own sentences with hotel. For example, 'Dov'è l'hotel?' (Where is the hotel?)
Visual association
When you think of the word hotel, picture a hotel in your mind. This visual association can help you recall the word more easily.
Common phrases
Learn common phrases that use hotel, such as 'un buon hotel' (a good hotel) or 'un hotel a cinque stelle' (a five-star hotel).
Don't overthink it
Since it's the same word, resist the urge to find a complicated Italian equivalent. Hotel is the correct word.
Hotel culture
In Italy, hotels can range from small, family-run establishments to large international chains, just like in English-speaking countries. The word hotel applies to all of them.
Related words
As you advance, you might encounter synonyms or related words like albergo (also hotel, but sometimes used for smaller, more traditional establishments) or pensione (guesthouse).
Review frequently
Even simple words like hotel benefit from regular review. Keep practicing it in different contexts to solidify your understanding.
Origine du mot
French
Sens originel : A large townhouse; a mansion
Indo-European (Romance branch)Contexte culturel
In Italy, 'hotel' is commonly used for all types of lodging establishments, from budget options to luxury resorts. While other terms like 'albergo' are also used, 'hotel' is widely understood and is often preferred in modern usage, especially in tourist-heavy areas. It's a very practical word to know when traveling in Italy.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIn Italian, "hotel" is a masculine noun. So, you would say l'hotel (the hotel) or un hotel (a hotel).
The pronunciation of "hotel" in Italian is very similar to English, but with a slightly more rolled 'r' sound if it were present, though it's usually silent. It sounds like oh-TEL, with the emphasis on the last syllable.
Yes, albergo is a common and interchangeable term for "hotel" in Italian. Both are widely understood and used.
Just like in English, there are various types of hotels in Italy, from budget options to luxury establishments. The word hotel or albergo can refer to any of them.
You could say, 'C'è un hotel qui vicino?' (Is there a hotel nearby?) or 'Vorrei prenotare un hotel' (I would like to book a hotel).
Yes, "hotel" is a loanword from French, which has been fully integrated into the Italian language. While albergo is the native Italian word, "hotel" is very common.
The plural of "hotel" remains hotel. For example, 'Molti hotel' (many hotels).
Both are used frequently. You'll hear hotel and albergo quite often. It really depends on the speaker and the context.
A pensione is typically a smaller, family-run guesthouse, often with more basic amenities, while an hotel can range from small to large with a wider array of services.
You can say 'un bell'hotel' (a nice hotel) or 'un buon hotel' (a good hotel). For example, 'Cercavo un bell'hotel' (I was looking for a nice hotel).
Teste-toi 42 questions
Listen for 'hotel' and understand where the person is.
Listen for 'hotel' and a question about its location.
Listen for 'hotel' and a description of it.
Read this aloud:
Io sono all'hotel.
Focus: o-TEL
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Dove si trova l'hotel?
Focus: DO-ve, si TRO-va, l'o-TEL
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Vorrei prenotare un hotel.
Focus: vor-REI, pre-no-TA-re, un o-TEL
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order to form a coherent sentence is 'I am looking for a hotel with a sea view.'
The correct order to form a coherent sentence is 'I would like to change my hotel reservation.'
The correct order to form a coherent sentence is 'This hotel has a rooftop pool.'
This sentence expresses the arrival at the hotel.
This sentence describes the need to find a good hotel near the station.
This sentence refers to booking a room with a sea view at the hotel.
Il lussuoso ___ offriva una vista mozzafiato sul lago e servizi impeccabili.
In this context, 'hotel' best fits to describe a luxurious establishment with excellent services and a view.
Dopo un lungo viaggio, cercavamo un ___ confortevole dove riposare.
An 'hotel' is the most suitable place to rest after a long journey, implying comfort and lodging.
La receptionist dell'___ ci ha accolto con un sorriso e ci ha fornito tutte le informazioni necessarie.
A receptionist is typically found in an 'hotel' to welcome guests and provide information.
Per la conferenza internazionale, abbiamo riservato un intero piano dell'___ per i nostri delegati.
Reserving an entire floor for delegates implies lodging, making 'hotel' the correct choice.
L'offerta includeva il pernottamento in un ___ a quattro stelle con colazione inclusa.
A 'four-star' establishment offering 'pernottamento' (overnight stay) and 'colazione' (breakfast) is most accurately described as an 'hotel'.
Molti turisti preferiscono alloggiare in un ___ centrale per facilitare gli spostamenti e le visite ai monumenti.
For tourists visiting monuments and needing easy travel, a central 'hotel' is a common and practical lodging choice.
Consider the overall tone of luxury and memory.
Focus on business expansion and locations.
Listen for economic context and the industry's response.
Read this aloud:
Potrebbe illustrarmi le diverse opzioni di alloggio disponibili nel suo hotel, includendo eventuali servizi aggiuntivi?
Focus: illustrarmi, opzioni, alloggio, disponibili, includendo, eventuali, servizi, aggiuntivi
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Quali misure specifiche ha adottato il vostro hotel per garantire la sicurezza e il benessere degli ospiti durante l'attuale situazione sanitaria?
Focus: misure, specifiche, adottato, garantire, sicurezza, benessere, ospiti, attuale, situazione, sanitaria
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Vorrei esprimere il mio apprezzamento per l'eccellente servizio clienti ricevuto durante il mio soggiorno presso il vostro hotel.
Focus: esprimere, apprezzamento, eccellente, servizio, clienti, ricevuto, soggiorno, presso
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The correct order forms a sentence meaning: 'The luxury hotel offers a breathtaking view of the sea.'
The correct order forms a sentence meaning: 'For our anniversary, we booked a suite in a historic hotel.'
The correct order forms a sentence meaning: 'The hotel is renowned for its impeccable service and gourmet cuisine.'
Dopo una lunga giornata di viaggio, non vedevo l'ora di riposare nel confortevole ___.
In questo contesto, 'hotel' è la scelta più appropriata per un alloggio confortevole, anche se 'albergo' è un sinonimo molto comune.
Il lussuoso ___ nel centro di Roma offre servizi impeccabili e viste mozzafiato.
Per descrivere una struttura lussuosa con servizi impeccabili, 'hotel' è la parola più adatta tra le opzioni.
Molti turisti preferiscono soggiornare in un ___ vicino alla stazione per comodità.
Un 'hotel' è la tipologia di alloggio più comune e pratica per i turisti che cercano comodità vicino a un nodo di trasporto come la stazione.
Il portiere dell'___ ci ha aiutato con i bagagli e ci ha fornito informazioni utili sulla città.
Il portiere è una figura professionale tipicamente associata agli 'hotel', che assiste gli ospiti con i bagagli e le informazioni.
Abbiamo prenotato una suite all'___ con vista mare per la nostra luna di miele.
Le suite sono generalmente offerte dagli 'hotel', specialmente quelli di categoria superiore, rendendo questa la scelta più logica per una luna di miele.
Durante la conferenza, tutti i partecipanti alloggiavano nello stesso ___ per facilitare il networking.
Per eventi come conferenze, è comune che i partecipanti siano alloggiati in un 'hotel' per la comodità e per facilitare l'interazione e il networking.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
Same word, same meaning
Good news! The Italian word hotel is the same as in English and has the same meaning. You don't need to learn a new word here!
Pronunciation practice
While the spelling is the same, the pronunciation is slightly different. In Italian, the 'h' is silent, so it's pronounced closer to 'oh-TEL'. Practice saying it out loud!
Listen for context
When you hear 'hotel' in Italian, you'll know exactly what it means. Focus on the surrounding words to understand the full sentence, especially verbs like prenotare (to book).
Use it in sentences
The best way to remember new vocabulary is to use it. Try to create your own sentences with hotel. For example, 'Dov'è l'hotel?' (Where is the hotel?)
Contenu associé
Apprendre en contexte
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Plus de mots sur travel
aereo
A1An aircraft or airplane.
aeroporto
A1A place for airplanes to take off
albergo
A1hotel
alloggio
B1A place to live or stay.
andata
A2the act of going somewhere
arrivare
A1to arrive
arrivo
A1Arrival
atterrare
B1To come down through the air to land.
attrattiva
B1A feature or quality that attracts.
attrazione
B2The action or power of evoking interest.
