At the A1 level, the focus is on recognizing the word 'hospedarse' as something related to travel and hotels. You might not conjugate it perfectly yet, but you should understand that when a travel agent or an immigration officer says it, they are asking where you are sleeping. You will mostly use it in simple, fixed phrases like 'Me hospedo en el Hotel Sol' (I am staying at Hotel Sol) or '¿Dónde te hospedas?' (Where are you staying?). At this stage, it's important to simply remember that the 'h' is silent and that it's a verb used for hotels. You might rely more on the simpler verb 'quedarse' (to stay), but recognizing 'hospedarse' in signs and brochures is a key milestone. You should also learn the noun 'hospedaje' which often appears on signs for small inns. This level is about basic survival and identifying the word in context.
By A2, you should be able to use 'hospedarse' in the present tense and the near future (ir + a + infinitive). You are expected to handle basic travel logistics, such as booking a room or explaining your travel plans to a friend. You should understand that it is a reflexive verb, meaning you need the 'me, te, se' pronouns. For example, 'Nos vamos a hospedar en un hostal' (We are going to stay in a hostel). You also start to distinguish between 'hospedarse' (to stay in a hotel) and 'vivir' (to live permanently). You might still make mistakes with the reflexive pronouns, but your meaning should be clear. You can now use the verb to ask questions about amenities: '¿Si me hospedo aquí, el desayuno está incluido?' (If I stay here, is breakfast included?).
At the B1 level, which is the target for this word, you should use 'hospedarse' with confidence in various tenses, including the preterite and imperfect. You can describe past travel experiences in detail: 'El verano pasado me hospedé en una cabaña en las montañas' (Last summer I stayed in a cabin in the mountains). You understand the nuance between 'hospedarse' and 'quedarse' and choose the former when you want to sound more precise or professional. You can also use it in the infinitive form attached to other verbs, like 'Quiero hospedarme' or 'Espero hospedarme'. You are comfortable with the preposition 'en' and can use the word in business contexts, such as organizing a stay for a colleague. This is the level where the word becomes a natural part of your travel vocabulary.
At the B2 level, you use 'hospedarse' fluidly and can navigate more complex grammatical structures, such as the subjunctive and conditional. For example, 'Si tuviera más dinero, me hospedaría en el Ritz' (If I had more money, I would stay at the Ritz) or 'Te sugiero que te hospedes en el centro' (I suggest that you stay in the center). you are aware of regional differences, such as the preference for 'hospedarse' in Latin America versus 'alojarse' in Spain. You can use the verb in formal emails, reports, or when making complaints to a hotel management. Your pronunciation is accurate, and you no longer struggle with the reflexive pronouns. You can also use related terms like 'huésped' (guest) and 'hospedaje' (lodging) correctly in conversation.
By C1, 'hospedarse' is just one of many options in your sophisticated travel vocabulary. You can use it in idiomatic or highly formal ways. You might use it in the passive voice or in complex sentences describing the history of a building: 'En este palacio se han hospedado reyes y reinas' (Kings and queens have stayed in this palace). You understand the subtle social implications of using 'hospedarse' versus 'quedarse' or 'pernoctar' and can adjust your register perfectly for the audience. You can discuss the hospitality industry ('la industria del hospedaje') using the word as a technical term. You are also able to use the verb in literary contexts or when writing travel articles, employing a wide range of synonyms to avoid repetition and add color to your prose.
At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'hospedarse' and its entire word family. You can use it in any context, from a casual text message to a formal academic paper on the history of tourism. You might explore archaic or literary uses of the word and its roots. You are capable of playing with the language, perhaps using the verb metaphorically (e.g., 'el miedo se hospedó en su corazón' - fear took up residence in his heart). You can effortlessly switch between 'hospedarse', 'alojarse', 'pernoctar', 'morar', and 'residir' depending on the exact nuance you wish to convey. Your usage is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, and you can explain the etymology and regional variations of the word to others.

hospedarse in 30 Seconds

  • Hospedarse means to stay as a guest in a hotel or temporary lodging.
  • It is a reflexive verb, so always use pronouns like me, te, or se.
  • It is more specific to travel and accommodation than the verb quedarse.
  • Commonly used in travel contexts, hotel bookings, and immigration forms.

The Spanish verb hospedarse is a fundamental term for anyone traveling in a Spanish-speaking country. At its core, it means 'to stay' or 'to lodge,' but it specifically refers to the act of being a guest in a place that is not your permanent home. Whether you are checking into a luxury resort, a cozy boutique hotel, or a humble youth hostel, hospedarse is the precise word to describe your temporary residence. It is a reflexive verb, meaning the action is performed by the subject upon themselves—literally, you are 'lodging yourself.'

Grammatical Essence
As a reflexive verb, it requires the use of reflexive pronouns: me hospedo, te hospedas, se hospeda, nos hospedamos, os hospedáis, se hospedan. Without the 'se', the verb hospedar means 'to host' or 'to provide lodging' to someone else.

In daily conversation, you will hear this word most frequently in the context of tourism and business travel. It carries a slightly more formal or specific tone than the common verb quedarse (to stay). While quedarse can refer to staying anywhere (like staying at a park for an hour), hospedarse implies an overnight stay or a period of residence in a professional or formal guest capacity.

Durante nuestro viaje a Madrid, decidimos hospedarnos en un hotel cerca de la Plaza Mayor para estar cerca de todo.

You will encounter this word on booking websites (e.g., Expedia, Booking.com), at airport immigration when they ask where you are staying, and in polite social inquiries about your travel plans. It is particularly useful because it distinguishes between just 'being' somewhere and 'sleeping/living' somewhere temporarily. For instance, if you say 'Me quedo en el museo,' it sounds like you are just standing there; if you say 'Me hospedo en el hotel frente al museo,' it clearly defines your accommodation.

The Preposition 'En'
Almost invariably, hospedarse is followed by the preposition en. Example: 'Se hospedaron en una casa rural.' This indicates the location of the lodging.

Muchos delegados internacionales se van a hospedar en el centro de convenciones durante la cumbre.

Furthermore, the word is versatile across different types of accommodation. It isn't limited to hotels. You can hospedarte in a 'hostal' (hostel), 'albergue' (inn/shelter), 'apartamento' (apartment), or even 'con unos amigos' (with some friends), though for friends, quedarse is slightly more common. Using hospedarse provides a level of clarity and linguistic sophistication that marks a transition from a beginner (A2) to an intermediate (B1) level of Spanish proficiency.

Register and Context
While 'alojarse' is a direct synonym, hospedarse is often preferred in Latin America, whereas 'alojarse' is very common in Spain. Both are correct and widely understood, but hospedarse feels slightly more classic and formal in many regions.

¿Sabe usted dónde se va a hospedar el presidente durante su visita oficial?

Si decides hospedarte en las afueras, ahorrarás mucho dinero en transporte.

Espero que se hospeden con nosotros la próxima vez que vengan a la ciudad.

Using hospedarse correctly requires a solid grasp of reflexive pronouns and the ability to navigate different tenses. Because the verb ends in '-se', you must match the pronoun to the person who is staying. For example, 'I stay' is 'me hospedo', while 'they stay' is 'se hospedan'. This reflexive nature is non-negotiable; if you omit the pronoun, the meaning changes from 'staying' to 'hosting'.

Present Tense Construction
To describe current or habitual lodging: Pronoun + conjugated verb + en + location. Example: 'Normalmente me hospedo en hoteles económicos.'

When using the infinitive form with another verb (like querer, necesitar, or ir a), the reflexive pronoun can either go before the first verb or be attached to the end of hospedar. Both are equally correct and common. For instance, 'I want to stay' can be 'Me quiero hospedar' or 'Quiero hospedarme'. The latter is often preferred in formal writing.

¿Dónde planean hospedarse ustedes durante las vacaciones de verano?

One of the most frequent uses is in the future tense or 'ir + a + infinitive' to discuss upcoming travel plans. 'Nos vamos a hospedar en un Airbnb' is a classic sentence you might use when chatting with friends. If you want to sound more professional, perhaps in an email to a business partner, you might say, 'Me hospedaré en el Hotel Continental y estaré disponible para la reunión el martes por la mañana.'

Negative Sentences
In negative sentences, the 'no' always comes before the reflexive pronoun. Example: 'No nos hospedamos en ese lugar porque era muy ruidoso.'

Si el hotel está lleno, tendremos que hospedarnos en un pueblo vecino.

The verb also works beautifully in the subjunctive mood, which is common after expressions of desire, doubt, or suggestion. For example, 'Espero que te hospedes en un sitio seguro' (I hope you stay in a safe place) or 'Dudo que se hospeden en un camping' (I doubt they will stay at a campsite). Mastering these variations allows you to express not just facts, but also wishes and possibilities regarding travel.

Compound Tenses
When using the Present Perfect (he, has, ha...), the pronoun stays before the helping verb 'haber'. Example: 'Nunca me he hospedado en un hotel tan lujoso.'

Antes de la reserva, asegúrate de que el lugar donde vas a hospedarte tenga buenas reseñas.

Mis padres prefieren hospedarse en paradores históricos cuando viajan por España.

¿Te hospedaste en el mismo hotel que la última vez o cambiaste de zona?

The word hospedarse is ubiquitous in the world of travel and hospitality. If you are standing at a 'Mostrador de Información' (Information Desk) at an airport like El Dorado in Bogotá or Barajas in Madrid, the staff might ask you: '¿En qué hotel se va a hospedar?' This is a standard question for immigration forms and tourist logistics. It sounds more precise and professional than '¿Dónde se va a quedar?', which could imply you are staying at a friend's house or just hanging out.

Travel Agencies & Websites
In brochures and online booking platforms, you will see phrases like 'Hospédese con nosotros' (Stay with us) or 'Opciones de hospedaje' (Lodging options). It is the industry-standard term for commercial accommodation.

In the media, specifically in travel documentaries or news reports about tourism, hospedarse is used to describe where celebrities, diplomats, or large groups of tourists are located. For example, a news anchor might report: 'La selección nacional se hospedará en un complejo deportivo de alta seguridad.' It provides a sense of formality and officiality to the description of their residence.

Al llegar a la aduana, el oficial me preguntó: '¿Dónde piensa hospedarse durante su estancia en el país?'

You will also hear it in social settings when discussing travel experiences. If someone asks, '¿Qué tal el hotel?', you might respond, 'Fue genial, nos hospedamos en una habitación con vista al mar.' Here, using hospedarse elevates the conversation slightly, making you sound like a more fluent and educated speaker. It is also common in business contexts; a colleague might say, 'Me estoy hospedando cerca de la oficina para evitar el tráfico.'

Formal Invitations
When weddings or conferences provide accommodation info, they use it: 'Los invitados pueden hospedarse en el Hotel Real con un descuento especial.'

En la guía turística recomiendan hospedarse en el barrio histórico para disfrutar de la arquitectura.

Finally, in literature and formal writing, hospedarse is the go-to verb for describing where characters reside temporarily. In a novel, you might read: 'El caballero se hospedó en la posada del camino.' It evokes a sense of tradition and the age-old act of finding shelter while on a journey. Whether in a classic book or a modern TripAdvisor review, this word bridges the gap between the ancient need for shelter and modern global tourism.

Muchos peregrinos eligen hospedarse en albergues municipales a lo largo del Camino de Santiago.

Si buscas algo más íntimo, puedes hospedarte en un 'Bed and Breakfast' local.

No es necesario hospedarse en el centro para conocer bien la ciudad; el metro es excelente.

The most common pitfall for English speakers when using hospedarse is forgetting its reflexive nature. In English, we simply say 'I am staying,' but in Spanish, you cannot just say 'Hospedo en el hotel.' This would actually mean 'I am hosting (someone) in the hotel,' which likely isn't what you intend. You must include the reflexive pronoun me, te, se, nos, os, se to indicate that you are the one receiving the lodging.

The Missing 'Se'
Mistake: 'Quiero hospedar en este hotel.'
Correct: 'Quiero hospedarme en este hotel.'
Explanation: The reflexive pronoun is essential to complete the meaning of 'lodging oneself'.

Another frequent error is confusing hospedarse with quedarse. While they are often interchangeable, quedarse is broader. You can 'quedarse' at a party, but you wouldn't 'hospedarse' at a party. Conversely, using quedarse for a hotel stay is perfectly correct, but using hospedarse for staying at a friend's house can sometimes sound a bit too formal or transactional, as if you were paying them for a room.

A veces los estudiantes dicen: 'Me voy a hospedar en la biblioteca hasta tarde.' (Incorrect context; should be 'quedar').

Preposition confusion is another area where learners stumble. Some try to use 'con' (with) when they mean 'in'. While you can say 'Me hospedo con mi tía' (I'm staying with my aunt), you must use 'en' for locations: 'Me hospedo en el hotel.' Saying 'Me hospedo con el hotel' sounds like the hotel is a person you are hanging out with.

Conjugation of 'Hospedarse'
Mistake: 'Nos hospedamos en el hotel ayer.' (Correct, but people often forget the 'a' in the ending).
Correct: 'Nos hospedamos.'
Note: In the preterite 'nosotros' form, it is the same as the present tense. Context tells you the time.

No confundas hospedarse con 'hospitalizarse' (to be hospitalized), que es un error común por la similitud fonética.

Lastly, be careful with the plural. If a group is staying together, the verb must be 'se hospedan' or 'nos hospedamos'. It’s easy to default to the singular 'se hospeda' if you are thinking of 'the family' as a single unit, but in Spanish, 'la familia se hospeda' is singular, while 'mis padres se hospedan' is plural. Consistency between the subject and the verb/pronoun is key to sounding natural.

Un error sutil es usar hospedarse para estancias largas permanentes. No te 'hospedas' en tu propia casa.

Evita decir 'Estoy hospedando' (I am staying); la forma correcta es 'Me estoy hospedando'.

Si dices 'Se hospeda un perro', significa que el perro es el huésped, no que tú tienes un perro contigo.

To truly master the concept of 'staying' in Spanish, it's helpful to compare hospedarse with its closest synonyms and related terms. Each has a slightly different shade of meaning, and choosing the right one will make your Spanish sound more authentic and precise.

Hospedarse vs. Alojarse
These two are almost identical in meaning. Hospedarse is slightly more common in Latin America and carries a hint of 'being a guest.' Alojarse is the standard term in Spain and is derived from 'alojamiento' (accommodation). You can use them interchangeably in 99% of travel situations.

Then we have the heavy lifter: Quedarse. This is the most versatile verb. It means 'to stay' or 'to remain.' You can use it for staying at a hotel, staying at a friend's house, or staying at the office late. Because it is less specific than hospedarse, it is more casual. If you are staying with family, quedarse is the more natural choice: 'Me quedo con mis abuelos.'

Mientras que hospedarse implica una transacción comercial o formalidad, 'quedarse' es simplemente no irse.

Another interesting alternative is Instalarse. This means 'to settle in' or 'to get installed.' While hospedarse is the act of staying, instalarse refers more to the process of unpacking and making yourself at home in the room. 'Ya nos hospedamos en el hotel y ahora nos estamos instalando.'

Comparison of 'Lodging' Verbs
  • Hospedarse: Formal/Travel focused. Focus on being a guest.
  • Alojarse: Standard/Professional. Focus on the physical accommodation.
  • Quedarse: Casual/General. Focus on staying put.
  • Pernoctar: Very formal/Technical. Focus on the night-time stay.

Decidimos hospedarnos en un parador en lugar de una pensión porque buscábamos más comodidad.

Finally, consider the noun forms. El hospedaje and el alojamiento are your two main words for 'lodging' or 'accommodation.' If you are looking for a place to stay, you might search for 'hospedaje barato' or 'alojamiento céntrico.' Knowing these variations allows you to navigate travel websites and conversations with ease, choosing the word that best fits the level of formality and the specific context of your trip.

Si te hospedas en un hostal, conocerás a mucha gente joven de todo el mundo.

¿Prefieres hospedarte en un hotel de cadena o en uno independiente?

Es mejor hospedarse cerca de la estación de tren si tienes un viaje temprano al día siguiente.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

""

Neutral

""

Informal

""

Child friendly

""

Slang

""

Fun Fact

The Latin root 'hospes' is unique because it historically meant both 'guest' and 'host'. This dual meaning reflects the reciprocal nature of ancient hospitality.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ɒs.peˈðar.se/
US /os.peˈðar.se/
The primary stress is on the syllable 'dar' (os-pe-DAR-se).
Rhymes With
quedarse lavarse sentarse llamarse pararse acostarse bañarse casarse
Common Errors
  • Pronouncing the 'h' (it must be silent).
  • Using an English 'r' instead of a Spanish tap.
  • Putting the stress on the first syllable 'os'.
  • Forgetting the final 'e' sound.
  • Pronouncing the 's' like a 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in context of travel.

Writing 4/5

Reflexive pronouns and silent 'h' can be tricky.

Speaking 3/5

Requires practice with the soft 'd' and reflexive flow.

Listening 3/5

Silent 'h' can make it sound like 'os-pe-dar-se'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

hotel viaje quedarse habitación en

Learn Next

alojamiento reserva recepción facturar equipaje

Advanced

pernoctar aposento hostelería conserjería estancia

Grammar to Know

Reflexive Pronoun Placement

Me quiero hospedar / Quiero hospedarme.

Preposition 'En' with Verbs of Location

Se hospeda en el hotel (not 'a el hotel').

Present Perfect with Reflexives

Se ha hospedado allí muchas veces.

Subjunctive for Recommendations

Te recomiendo que te hospedes aquí.

Agreement between Subject and Reflexive Pronoun

Nosotros nos hospedamos (not 'Nosotros se hospedan').

Examples by Level

1

Yo me hospedo en el hotel.

I stay at the hotel.

Uses the present tense reflexive 'me hospedo'.

2

¿Dónde te hospedas?

Where are you staying?

A basic question using the reflexive 'te'.

3

Nos hospedamos en Madrid.

We are staying in Madrid.

The 'nos' form is used for 'we'.

4

Ella se hospeda en un hostal.

She stays in a hostel.

Reflexive 'se' for the third person singular.

5

Quiero hospedarme aquí.

I want to stay here.

The pronoun 'me' is attached to the infinitive.

6

¿Se hospeda usted en el centro?

Are you staying downtown? (formal)

Uses 'usted' with the reflexive 'se'.

7

Ellos se hospedan en el hotel grande.

They stay in the big hotel.

Reflexive 'se' for the third person plural.

8

Mi familia se hospeda en una casa.

My family stays in a house.

'La familia' is singular, so we use 'se hospeda'.

1

Nos vamos a hospedar en la playa.

We are going to stay at the beach.

Future with 'ir a'.

2

¿Te hospedaste en un hotel caro?

Did you stay in an expensive hotel?

Preterite (past tense) second person singular.

3

Me gusta hospedarme en sitios tranquilos.

I like staying in quiet places.

Infinitive with 'me gusta'.

4

No nos hospedamos en ese hotel porque es viejo.

We are not staying in that hotel because it is old.

Negative sentence with the pronoun before the verb.

5

Siempre se hospedan en el mismo lugar.

They always stay in the same place.

Present tense indicating a habit.

6

Mañana me hospedaré en un Airbnb.

Tomorrow I will stay in an Airbnb.

Simple future tense.

7

¿Puedo hospedarme solo una noche?

Can I stay for just one night?

Modal verb 'poder' followed by infinitive.

8

Se hospedaron en la montaña el invierno pasado.

They stayed in the mountains last winter.

Preterite third person plural.

1

Si decides hospedarte allí, avísame.

If you decide to stay there, let me know.

Conditional 'si' clause with present indicative.

2

Me he hospedado en muchos países diferentes.

I have stayed in many different countries.

Present perfect tense 'he hospedado'.

3

Espero que te hospedes en un lugar seguro.

I hope you stay in a safe place.

Present subjunctive after 'espero que'.

4

Se estaban hospedando en el centro cuando ocurrió el desfile.

They were staying downtown when the parade happened.

Past progressive tense.

5

Habíamos planeado hospedarnos en un camping, pero llovió.

We had planned to stay at a campsite, but it rained.

Past perfect 'habíamos planeado'.

6

No es necesario que se hospeden en el hotel más caro.

It is not necessary for you to stay in the most expensive hotel.

Subjunctive after 'no es necesario que'.

7

Al hospedarse en el centro, ahorraron tiempo.

By staying downtown, they saved time.

Gerund-like use of 'al + infinitive'.

8

¿Dónde me recomiendas hospedarme en Buenos Aires?

Where do you recommend I stay in Buenos Aires?

Indirect object 'me' with 'recomiendas' and infinitive.

1

Dudo que se hospeden en un hostal a su edad.

I doubt they would stay in a hostel at their age.

Subjunctive after 'dudo que'.

2

Si tuviera presupuesto, me hospedaría en una suite.

If I had the budget, I would stay in a suite.

Conditional tense in a hypothetical sentence.

3

Se han hospedado aquí personalidades muy importantes.

Very important personalities have stayed here.

Present perfect with an inverted subject.

4

Me hospedaré donde sea más conveniente para la empresa.

I will stay wherever is most convenient for the company.

Future tense with a subjunctive clause 'donde sea'.

5

Aunque se hospeden en las afueras, el transporte es bueno.

Even if they stay on the outskirts, transportation is good.

Concessive clause with 'aunque' and subjunctive.

6

Hospedarse en un parador es una experiencia cultural única.

Staying in a 'parador' is a unique cultural experience.

Infinitive used as a noun subject.

7

Busco un lugar donde hospedarme que acepte mascotas.

I am looking for a place to stay that accepts pets.

Relative clause with subjunctive 'donde hospedarme que acepte'.

8

Se recomienda hospedarse con antelación durante la temporada alta.

It is recommended to book your stay in advance during high season.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

1

Resulta imperativo hospedarse cerca del recinto ferial.

It is imperative to stay near the fairgrounds.

Formal expression 'resulta imperativo'.

2

Quienquiera que se hospede aquí debe respetar las normas.

Whoever stays here must respect the rules.

Relative pronoun 'quienquiera que' with subjunctive.

3

A pesar de habernos hospedado allí antes, no nos reconocieron.

Despite having stayed there before, they didn't recognize us.

Perfect infinitive 'haber + participio'.

4

La delegación optó por hospedarse en un hotel boutique.

The delegation opted to stay in a boutique hotel.

Formal verb 'optar por'.

5

No creo que hospedarse en ese barrio sea una decisión prudente.

I don't think staying in that neighborhood is a prudent decision.

Subjunctive after 'no creo que'.

6

Se hospedará en calidad de invitado de honor.

He will stay as a guest of honor.

Formal phrase 'en calidad de'.

7

El hecho de hospedarse en un entorno rural cambió su perspectiva.

The fact of staying in a rural environment changed his perspective.

Noun phrase 'el hecho de' followed by infinitive.

8

Suelen hospedarse en establecimientos que cuidan el medio ambiente.

They tend to stay in establishments that care for the environment.

Verb 'soler' + infinitive.

1

Hospedarse en tales aposentos era un privilegio de pocos.

Staying in such chambers was a privilege of few.

Literary term 'aposentos' and formal structure.

2

De no habernos hospedado allí, jamás habríamos conocido al autor.

Had we not stayed there, we would never have met the author.

Conditional perfect with a 'de + infinitive' condition.

3

La melancolía pareció hospedarse en su alma tras la partida.

Melancholy seemed to take up residence in his soul after the departure.

Metaphorical use of the verb.

4

Se hospedaron bajo el amparo de la oscuridad en una vieja posada.

They stayed under the cover of darkness in an old inn.

Literary and evocative language.

5

Cualquier viajero que se precie debe hospedarse al menos una vez en este lugar.

Any traveler worth their salt must stay at least once in this place.

Idiomatic expression 'que se precie'.

6

El ilustre visitante declinó hospedarse en la residencia oficial.

The illustrious visitor declined to stay at the official residence.

High-register vocabulary: 'ilustre', 'declinó'.

7

Hospedarse conlleva una serie de responsabilidades tácitas.

Staying as a guest carries a series of tacit responsibilities.

Formal verb 'conllevar' and academic tone.

8

Poco importa dónde se hospede uno si la compañía es buena.

It matters little where one stays if the company is good.

Impersonal 'uno' with the subjunctive 'se hospede'.

Common Collocations

hospedarse en un hotel
hospedarse en el centro
hospedarse con amigos
hospedarse por negocios
hospedarse gratis
hospedarse en las afueras
hospedarse a largo plazo
hospedarse en un parador
hospedarse en un hostal
hospedarse bajo un nombre falso

Common Phrases

¿Dónde se hospeda usted?

— A formal way to ask someone where they are staying.

Disculpe, ¿dónde se hospeda usted durante el congreso?

Me hospedo en...

— The standard way to state your accommodation.

Me hospedo en el hostal que está cerca de la estación.

Hospedarse con todo incluido

— Staying at a resort where all meals and drinks are covered.

Decidimos hospedarnos con todo incluido para no preocuparnos por nada.

Dificultad para hospedarse

— Having trouble finding a place to stay.

Tuvimos dificultad para hospedarnos porque era festivo.

Hospedarse por una noche

— Staying for only one night.

Solo necesito hospedarme por una noche antes de mi vuelo.

Opciones de hospedaje

— The different choices of where to stay.

Hay muchas opciones de hospedaje en esta ciudad.

Costo del hospedaje

— The price of the accommodation.

El costo del hospedaje ha subido mucho este año.

Hospedarse en régimen de media pensión

— Staying with breakfast and one other meal included.

Es más barato hospedarse en régimen de media pensión.

Hospedarse en familia

— Staying together as a family unit.

Es un hotel ideal para hospedarse en familia.

Hospedarse por cortesía

— Staying as a guest without paying, usually by invitation.

Se hospedó por cortesía de la organización.

Often Confused With

hospedarse vs hospedar

Hospedar (transitive) means to host someone else. Hospedarse (reflexive) means to stay somewhere yourself.

hospedarse vs hospitalizarse

This means to be admitted to a hospital. Don't confuse it with hospedarse just because they sound similar!

hospedarse vs quedarse

Quedarse is general (to stay anywhere). Hospedarse is specific to lodging/hotels.

Idioms & Expressions

"Hospedar a alguien en su corazón"

— To hold someone dear or keep them in one's thoughts/feelings.

Ella siempre hospeda a sus nietos en su corazón.

Literary/Poetic
"Hospedarse en la luna"

— To be distracted or 'spaced out' (similar to 'estar en la luna').

Parece que te hospedas en la luna hoy.

Informal
"Dar hospedaje a una idea"

— To entertain or consider an idea.

No deberías dar hospedaje a esos pensamientos negativos.

Formal
"Hospedarse de prestado"

— To stay somewhere for free or relying on someone's charity.

Se está hospedando de prestado en casa de su primo.

Informal
"Huésped de honor"

— An official title for a very important guest.

El escritor fue nombrado huésped de honor de la ciudad.

Formal
"Hospedarse en el olvido"

— To be forgotten or neglected over time.

Ese viejo cine se hospedó en el olvido.

Poetic
"Ser un mal huésped"

— To be a guest who doesn't behave well.

No seas un mal huésped y ayuda con la limpieza.

Neutral
"Hospedaje de paso"

— A place for a very brief, transitory stay.

Es solo un hospedaje de paso, mañana seguimos el viaje.

Neutral
"Donde se hospeda el sol"

— A phrase used to describe a very sunny or bright place.

Esta terraza es donde se hospeda el sol.

Poetic
"Hospedar rencor"

— To hold a grudge.

No es bueno hospedar rencor por tanto tiempo.

Formal

Easily Confused

hospedarse vs alojarse

They mean almost the same thing.

Alojarse is more common in Spain; hospedarse is more common in Latin America. Alojarse focuses on the 'lodging' (alojamiento), while hospedarse focuses on the 'guest' (huésped).

Me alojé en un hotel. / Me hospedé en un hotel.

hospedarse vs posar

Related to 'posada' (inn).

Posar is archaic or literary. You will rarely hear it in modern speech except in very traditional rural contexts.

El caballero posó en la venta.

hospedarse vs instalarse

Both happen at a hotel.

Instalarse is the action of settling in, unpacking, and getting comfortable. Hospedarse is the legal/formal state of being a guest.

Me hospedo en el hotel y ya me instalé en mi cuarto.

hospedarse vs residir

Both involve living somewhere.

Residir is for long-term or permanent living. Hospedarse is strictly temporary/short-term.

Resido en esta ciudad, pero me hospedo en este hotel por una semana.

hospedarse vs pernoctar

Both involve staying at a hotel.

Pernoctar specifically emphasizes the act of sleeping through the night. It is used in technical or police language.

Se prohíbe pernoctar en la vía pública.

Sentence Patterns

A1

Me hospedo en [Hotel].

Me hospedo en el Hotel Mar.

A2

Voy a hospedarme en [Lugar].

Voy a hospedarme en un hostal.

B1

Me gustaría hospedarme en [Lugar].

Me gustaría hospedarme en el centro.

B1

Me hospedé en [Lugar] el año pasado.

Me hospedé en París el año pasado.

B2

Espero que te hospedes en [Lugar].

Espero que te hospedes en un sitio seguro.

B2

Si tuviera dinero, me hospedaría en [Lugar].

Si tuviera dinero, me hospedaría en el Ritz.

C1

Resulta conveniente hospedarse en [Lugar].

Resulta conveniente hospedarse cerca del metro.

C2

Hospedarse en [Lugar] conlleva [Consecuencia].

Hospedarse en este palacio conlleva un gran honor.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

Related

How to Use It

frequency

Common in travel and formal contexts; moderate in daily casual speech.

Common Mistakes
  • Yo hospedo en el hotel. Yo me hospedo en el hotel.

    Missing reflexive pronoun. 'Hospedo' means 'I host'.

  • Me hospedo a Madrid. Me hospedo en Madrid.

    Incorrect preposition. Use 'en' for locations.

  • Me voy a hospedarme. Me voy a hospedar / Voy a hospedarme.

    Double reflexive pronoun. Use it once, either before the conjugated verb or attached to the infinitive.

  • Pronouncing the 'H'. /os-pe-dar-se/

    The 'H' is silent in Spanish.

  • Using 'hospedarse' for living in an apartment long-term. Vivir / Residir en un apartamento.

    'Hospedarse' is strictly for temporary guest stays.

Tips

Don't forget the 'se'

Always include the reflexive pronoun. Without it, the verb changes meaning to 'to host someone else'.

Synonym swap

Try using 'alojarse' if you are in Spain and 'hospedarse' if you are in Latin America to sound more local.

Silent H

Remember the H is silent. Start the word with the 'O' sound to avoid sounding like an English speaker.

Travel Situations

Use this word when talking to hotel staff or filling out official forms to sound more precise.

Hospital Connection

Connect it to 'Hospitality'. You are receiving hospitality when you 'hospedarse'.

Formal Writing

In emails to hotels, use 'Deseo hospedarme...' instead of 'Quiero quedarme...' for a more polite tone.

Use 'En'

Always follow the verb with 'en' when talking about the location. 'Me hospedo en el hotel'.

Hospedaje signs

Look for signs that say 'Hospedaje' in Latin America; they usually indicate affordable, local inns.

Identify the pronoun

Listen for 'me', 'te', or 'se' before the verb to know who is doing the staying.

Daily Routine

Even if you aren't traveling, try to describe where a famous person might be staying using 'se hospeda'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a **HOSP**ital for tired travelers where you **DAR**e to **SE**ttle in for the night. (HOSP-DAR-SE).

Visual Association

Visualize a 'H' that is a ghost (silent) standing in front of a hotel door with a 'SE' (Self) sign.

Word Web

Hotel Huésped Hospedaje Maleta Reserva Habitación Turismo Viaje

Challenge

Try to use 'hospedarse' in three different tenses (past, present, future) while describing your dream vacation.

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'hospitari', which comes from 'hospes' (genitive 'hospitis').

Original meaning: To be a guest or to receive a guest.

Romance (Latin root).

Cultural Context

In some contexts, 'hospedarse' can sound formal. Use 'quedarse' if you want to sound more casual with friends.

English speakers often say 'staying at', while Spanish speakers specifically use 'hospedarse en' for commercial lodging.

The 'Paradores de Turismo' website in Spain. Classic literature like 'Don Quijote' where characters 'posan' (stay) at inns. Travel guides like Lonely Planet (Spanish version) which use 'hospedaje' frequently.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Booking a Hotel

  • Quiero hospedarme tres noches.
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta hospedarse aquí?
  • ¿Es seguro hospedarse en esta zona?
  • ¿Puedo hospedarme con mi perro?

At the Airport / Customs

  • Me hospedaré en el Hotel Palace.
  • Tengo una reserva para hospedarme.
  • No sé todavía dónde voy a hospedarme.
  • Me hospedo en casa de un familiar.

Talking to Friends

  • ¿Dónde te hospedas?
  • Nos hospedamos en un sitio genial.
  • Te puedes hospedar en mi casa.
  • No nos gustó el hotel donde nos hospedamos.

Business Travel

  • La empresa paga para que me hospede allí.
  • Me hospedaré cerca de la oficina.
  • ¿Dónde se hospeda el resto del equipo?
  • Necesito un recibo de mi hospedaje.

Reading Travel Guides

  • Recomendamos hospedarse en el barrio gótico.
  • Es caro hospedarse durante la temporada alta.
  • Opciones para hospedarse con poco presupuesto.
  • Mejor lugar para hospedarse en familia.

Conversation Starters

"¿En qué tipo de hoteles prefieres hospedarte cuando viajas por placer?"

"Si pudieras hospedarte en cualquier lugar del mundo, ¿cuál elegirías?"

"¿Alguna vez te has hospedado en un lugar muy extraño o único?"

"¿Prefieres hospedarte en un hotel de lujo o en un hostal con ambiente joven?"

"¿Qué es lo más importante para ti al elegir dónde hospedarte?"

Journal Prompts

Describe el mejor hotel en el que te has hospedado y por qué fue tan especial.

Escribe sobre una vez que tuviste problemas para hospedarte en algún lugar durante un viaje.

Compara las ventajas de hospedarse en un Airbnb frente a hospedarse en un hotel tradicional.

Imagina que eres un guía turístico y escribe recomendaciones sobre dónde hospedarse en tu ciudad natal.

Escribe sobre tus planes para las próximas vacaciones y dónde piensas hospedarte.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Sí, 'hospedarse' es más específico y formal. Se usa casi exclusivamente para hoteles, hostales o cuando eres un invitado formal. 'Quedarse' es el término general para cualquier tipo de permanencia.

Sí, es correcto, pero suena un poco formal. En una situación casual con la familia, la mayoría de los nativos dirían 'Me quedo con mi abuela'.

'Hospedar' es cuando tú das alojamiento a otra persona (ej. 'Yo hospedo a mi amigo'). 'Hospedarse' es cuando tú eres el que se queda en el lugar (ej. 'Yo me hospedo en el hotel').

Sí, se entiende perfectamente y se usa, aunque en España es un poco más común escuchar el verbo 'alojarse'.

Se dice 'reservar un hospedaje' o 'hacer una reserva de alojamiento'.

No, nunca. La 'h' en español es siempre muda. Se pronuncia como si empezara con la 'o': /os-pe-dar-se/.

Significa que el precio del hotel incluye no solo la habitación, sino también todas las comidas y bebidas.

Sí, puedes decir 'hospedarse en un camping', aunque 'acampar' es más específico para el acto de poner la tienda.

Es 'nos hospedamos', que es igual que en el presente. El contexto te dirá si es pasado o presente.

Muy común. Se usa para hablar de la logística de viajes corporativos y eventos.

Test Yourself 180 questions

writing

Write 'I am staying in a hotel' in Spanish.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'We are going to stay in Madrid' using 'ir a'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'Last year I stayed in a small house' in the preterite.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write 'I hope that you stay in a safe place' using the subjunctive.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a formal sentence suggesting a guest stay at the 'Hotel Real'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Where are they staying?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I want to stay here.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'We have stayed in many countries.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'If I were rich, I would stay in a palace.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write a metaphorical sentence about sadness 'staying' in someone's heart.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'She stays in the center.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Did you stay in a hostel?' (informal, past).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'We were staying there when it rained.' (imperfect).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'It is possible that they are staying in the city.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Write: 'Despite staying in the outskirts, we enjoyed the trip.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'You (formal) stay here.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'We don't want to stay in that hotel.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'Where did you stay last night?' (informal).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'I don't think they are staying at the beach.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
writing

Translate: 'The illustrious guest declined to stay at the mansion.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I stay in a hotel' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Where are you going to stay?' in Spanish.

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I stayed in Barcelona last year.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I would like to stay in a suite.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'It is important to stay near the airport.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'We stay here.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I want to stay with my family.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'They always stay in expensive hotels.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I hope you stay in a good place.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'By staying there, I saved a lot of money.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'She stays in Madrid.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Did you stay at the beach?'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'We were staying in an apartment.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'It is possible that they stay with us.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'Melancholy stayed in his heart.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'They stay in a big house.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I don't like staying in hostels.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'I have stayed in that hotel before.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'If you stay here, you will be happy.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
speaking

Say 'The delegation decided to stay downtown.'

Read this aloud:

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write the pronoun: '___ hospedo en el hotel.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write the verb: 'Mañana nos vamos a ___.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write the tense: 'Nos ___ en un hostal el año pasado.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write the subjunctive: 'Espero que se ___ aquí.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: 'Al ___ en el centro ahorramos tiempo.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the city: 'Se hospeda en Sevilla.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the place: 'Me hospedo en un hostal.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the person: 'Te hospedas con tu tía.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the mood: 'Dudo que se hospede allí.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen and identify the condition: 'Si te hospedas, paga ya.'

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: '¿Dónde te hospedas?' Who is being asked?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Nos hospedamos ayer.' When did it happen?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Me gustaría hospedarme.' What is the feeling?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Se hospedarán mañana.' When will they stay?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
listening

Listen: 'Habiéndonos hospedado allí...' What happened first?

Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:
Correct! Not quite. Correct answer:

/ 180 correct

Perfect score!

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!