Guesthouse vs. Inn — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
A guesthouse typically offers a homely, often self-catering accommodation, while an inn provides a more traditional lodging experience with meals and services included.
Difference Between Guesthouse and Inn
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A guesthouse often operates as a smaller, residential-type property offering accommodation, often with fewer amenities. Whereas, an inn is usually a larger establishment that offers more comprehensive services including dining and sometimes entertainment.
Guesthouses generally provide a more intimate, homelike environment, appealing to travelers seeking privacy and a quiet stay. On the other hand, inns cater to those looking for a more social atmosphere, often featuring communal areas and events.
Owners of guesthouses may live on-site and offer personalized services to guests. In contrast, inns are typically managed by staff, providing a consistent but less personalized service.
In terms of cost, guesthouses can be more budget-friendly, especially for longer stays, as they may include kitchen facilities for self-catering. In contrast, inns, with their additional services, might have higher rates but offer greater convenience.
Guesthouses are often found in residential areas and can range from basic accommodations to luxury settings. Inns are usually located in more commercial areas or along travel routes, providing easy access to local attractions and transport.
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Comparison Chart
Type of Service
Self-catering options often available
Full service including meals
Size
Smaller, more intimate
Usually larger, with more guest capacity
Management
Owner-operated or family-run
Professionally managed
Location
Often in quieter, residential areas
Typically along travel routes or central
Cost
Generally more budget-friendly
Can be more expensive due to amenities
Compare with Definitions
Guesthouse
A lodging type popular in regions where tourists seek more interaction with the local culture.
The guesthouse in Bali had a communal kitchen where guests could cook meals together.
Inn
An establishment that offers a place to sleep, eat, and sometimes drink, traditionally located along a travel route.
The cozy inn at the crossroads serves hearty meals to all who stop by.
Guesthouse
A private house offering lodging accommodations to paying guests.
We stayed at a lovely guesthouse that offered panoramic sea views.
Inn
A small hotel or lodge providing overnight accommodation for travelers.
The old inn by the highway has been welcoming guests since the 1950s.
Guesthouse
Often less regulated than hotels, providing a more informal stay.
The guesthouse was not as fancy as a hotel but had a charming, welcoming atmosphere.
Inn
Tends to be more formal and organized than guesthouses, with a focus on serving tourists and travelers.
The mountain inn caters specifically to climbers and hikers, offering guided tours and gear rentals.
Guesthouse
Accommodations similar to bed and breakfasts but often without the morning meal.
Their guesthouse provided all the comforts of home, minus the breakfast.
Inn
Provides more services than a guesthouse, including food and drink.
After a long day of hiking, they relaxed in the inn’s bustling pub.
Guesthouse
A small, separate house on the grounds of a larger property, used for accommodating guests.
The estate's guesthouse has its own garden and pool.
Inn
A place with historical roots, often associated with coaching or stagecoach routes.
The historic inn is a preserved stopover used by stagecoaches centuries ago.
Guesthouse
A small house or cottage adjacent to a main house, used for lodging guests.
Inn
Inns are generally establishments or buildings where travelers can seek lodging, and usually, food and drink. Inns are typically located in the country or along a highway; before the advent of motorized transportation they also provided accommodation for horses.
Guesthouse
A bed-and-breakfast.
Inn
A public lodging house serving food and drink to travelers; a hotel.
Guesthouse
A small house near a main house, for lodging visitors.
Inn
A tavern or restaurant.
Guesthouse
A private house offering accommodation to paying guests; a boarding house; a bed and breakfast.
Inn
Chiefly British Formerly, a residence hall for students, especially law students, in London.
Guesthouse
A house separate from the main house; for housing guests
Inn
Any establishment where travellers can procure lodging, food, and drink.
Inn
A tavern.
Inn
One of the colleges (societies or buildings) in London, for students of the law barristers.
The Inns of Court
The Inns of Chancery
Serjeants’ Inns
Inn
The town residence of a nobleman or distinguished person.
Leicester Inn
Inn
(obsolete) A place of shelter; hence, dwelling; habitation; residence; abode.
Inn
To house; to lodge.
Inn
To take lodging; to lodge.
Inn
A place of shelter; hence, dwelling; habitation; residence; abode.
Therefore with me ye may take up your innFor this same night.
Inn
A house for the lodging and entertainment of travelers or wayfarers; a tavern; a public house; a hotel.
The miserable fare and miserable lodgment of a provincial inn.
Inn
The town residence of a nobleman or distinguished person; as, Leicester Inn.
Inn
One of the colleges (societies or buildings) in London, for students of the law barristers; as, the Inns of Court; the Inns of Chancery; Serjeants' Inns.
Inn
To take lodging; to lodge.
Inn
To house; to lodge.
When he had brought them into his cityAnd inned them, everich at his degree.
Inn
A hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
Common Curiosities
Can you find guesthouses in city centers?
Guesthouses are more commonly found in residential areas but can also be located in city centers.
How does an inn differ from a hotel?
While similar to a hotel, an inn is typically smaller and offers meals and other services aimed at travelers.
Are guesthouses cheaper than inns?
Generally, guesthouses can be more budget-friendly due to fewer offered services and amenities.
What types of rooms do inns offer?
Inns offer a variety of room types, often including options for singles, couples, and families.
Do guesthouses provide meals?
Some guesthouses might offer breakfast or have kitchen facilities, but many are self-catering.
Are inns located only in rural areas?
No, inns can be found both in rural and urban settings, often located strategically for travelers.
How old is the concept of an inn?
The concept of an inn dates back to ancient times, serving as stops for travelers and pilgrims.
Is parking usually available at guesthouses?
Yes, many guesthouses offer parking, especially those located in less congested areas.
What is a guesthouse?
A guesthouse is a small lodging establishment offering a cozy, home-like environment, often with fewer services than a hotel.
What is the typical architecture of an inn?
Inns often have a traditional or rustic design, reflecting their historical roots in some cases.
What is the usual target audience for guesthouses?
Guesthouses typically attract longer-term stayers or those seeking a "home away from home."
Do inns provide internet access?
Most modern inns offer internet access as a standard amenity.
What amenities are common in inns?
Inns commonly offer dining services, bars, and sometimes recreational facilities.
Can I book a guesthouse for a group?
Many guesthouses accommodate groups, offering multiple rooms or even entire houses.
Are guesthouses safe?
Safety varies, but many guesthouses provide secure accommodations as they are often family-run.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
