HOTEL

Hotels are usually the last thing people talk about in the context of studying. And rightly so: this isn't an option for a long stay but rather a temporary solution. But it's useful to know about, because almost every student or schoolchild spends at least a couple of nights in a hotel — on arrival, before checking into a dormitory, or during short intensive courses.

Who stays there?
Mostly adult students for 1–2 weeks who have come for short-term language or business courses and are willing to pay for comfort. Or families with children who first book a hotel for a couple of days while they look for permanent accommodation. Statistically, among all foreign students and schoolchildren, fewer than 5% stay in hotels for more than a week — it's too expensive and inconvenient. But as temporary accommodation for the first day or two, almost one in three uses a hotel.

What is life like there?
A standard room is designed for 1–2 people, a family room for up to 4. The room has its own bathroom (en suite — a shower or bath, toilet, washbasin), a TV, a fridge (often a minibar with paid drinks), a safe, air conditioning, and a kettle or coffee maker. The room is cleaned every day and the towels are changed. The reception is open 24 hours — you can arrive at three in the morning and they'll check you in. Meals are a matter of choice: no breakfast (room only), breakfast only (bed & breakfast), half board (breakfast + dinner), full board (three meals). In budget hotels breakfast is usually a buffet: cereal, yoghurt, croissants, coffee. In pricier ones — hot dishes, omelette, bacon. If you're staying for a long time (a week or more), you can choose an apart-hotel (serviced apartment) — a hybrid of a hotel and a rented flat. The room has a small kitchen (stove, dishes, fridge) and sometimes a washing machine. You don't have to clean yourself — a maid comes by every few days.

Advantages. Maximum comfort and service — clean sheets every day, the towels are changed, and there's no need to cook breakfast. The reception works around the clock — you can ask how to get to the metro, order a taxi, get a key at two in the morning. You don't depend on anyone — no family rules, no noisy dormitory neighbours. Ideal for your first night in an unfamiliar city: you're tired from the journey, and at the hotel they simply check you in without requiring you to sign a ten-page contract.

Disadvantages. Expensive. Per month, a hotel costs 3–5 times more than a dormitory or a room. There's no kitchen — unless you've taken full board, you'll have to eat in cafes and restaurants, which also hits your wallet. There's no language practice — the staff may speak English, but you barely interact with the locals. There's no student atmosphere — your fellow hotel guests may be tourists or business travellers, and you can't strike up a chat with them. And one more thing: many hotels aren't suited to long-term living — there's no room for books and notebooks, the desk is small, and it's awkward to lay out your belongings.

What's interesting in different countries.

• United Kingdom. Small guest houses and B&Bs (bed & breakfast) are common here — cheaper than standard hotels, often with a home-cooked breakfast. In London there are capsule hotels — tiny pods, just for a night's sleep. Many budget hotels are housed in old Victorian buildings: the rooms are small, the staircases steep, and there's no lift. But they're cosy and full of character.
• Germany. German hotels almost always include a good breakfast — hearty, with sausages, cheeses and rolls. For 5–10 euros you can eat very well. In some cities there are cheap guest houses (Monteurzimmer) intended for workers — students are better off steering clear, as the clientele is specific. Apart-hotels are popular for long business trips and offer discounts for stays of a month or more.
• France. The star system is honest: one star may mean the toilet and shower are on the floor rather than in the room. ibis budget is the cheapest option from the Accor chain: clean and modern, but very basic (the room has a shower and toilet, but no wardrobe or chair). In Paris the rooms are tiny — 10–12 sq. m is considered the norm for two stars. But there are hotels with history — former mansions with an inner courtyard.
• Spain and Italy. There are many family-run hotels where the owners live on the floor above. The attitude is warm, and they may feed you homemade pasta or paella. In high season the prices soar, while out of season you can rent a room for the price of a dormitory. Daily apartment rentals often work out cheaper than hotels, especially for a group of 3–4 people.
• USA and Canada. Motels along the highways are cheap and simple, but they can be unsafe (areas with a dubious reputation). Extended stay hotels (Extended Stay America, Residence Inn) are specially set up for long-term living: the room has a full kitchen (stove, fridge, dishes, even a dishwasher), there's a laundry on the floor, and you can pay monthly. It's already almost a rented flat, but with cleaning and a reception.

Who is it for?
Adults on short courses (1–2 weeks) with a good budget. Families with children for their first days before moving into a boarding school or a rental. Those who arrive at night and don't want to negotiate with anyone. It is not suitable for students staying long-term (more than a month) — too expensive and uncomfortable. It is not suitable for schoolchildren without parents — unless the hotel is arranged by the school as part of a program with group leaders (but that's already closer to a residence).

A non-obvious fact. In some European cities (especially in Switzerland and the Scandinavian countries) there are hostel-hotels — hostels with private rooms. They're cheaper than ordinary hotels but offer more privacy than a shared dormitory. Students sometimes use them at first. Another trend is coliving (shared living with service): you rent a room, and cleaning, laundry, a coworking space and even breakfast are included. It's more expensive than an ordinary room but cheaper than a hotel. For now such projects exist only in the big cities (Berlin, Barcelona, Lisbon), but they're becoming popular with digital nomads and Master's students.