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How to Say "inn" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “inn” is “motel” — use 'motel' for a small, often independent hotel, especially one found along a road and typically with parking directly outside rooms..

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motel

/moh-tel//moˈtel/

nounA2general
Use 'motel' for a small, often independent hotel, especially one found along a road and typically with parking directly outside rooms.
A simple illustration of a low-slung, colorful motel building with a row of doors leading directly outside, situated near a paved road, representing roadside accommodation for travelers.

Examples

Necesitamos parar en el primer motel que veamos, estoy muy cansado.

We need to stop at the first motel we see, I am very tired.

El motel tenía estacionamiento privado y era muy discreto.

The motel had private parking and was very discreet.

En muchos países, la palabra 'motel' no significa lo mismo que 'hotel'.

In many countries, the word 'motel' does not mean the same thing as 'hotel'.

Gender Rule

Even though this word ends in 'l', it is masculine. Remember to use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'El motel es caro'.

Confusing Motel and Hotel

Mistake: “Using 'motel' when you mean a standard, overnight family hotel.”

Correction: Use 'hotel' for standard lodging. In many places, 'motel' implies a specific kind of short-stay, private accommodation.

posada

/po-SAH-dah//poˈsaða/

nounA2general
Choose 'posada' for a general place to stay overnight, often implying a simpler or more traditional lodging than a modern hotel.
A cozy, small stone building with a warm glowing lantern hanging by the wooden door.

Examples

Buscamos una posada para pasar la noche.

We are looking for an inn to spend the night.

La posada del pueblo es muy acogedora.

The town's guesthouse is very cozy.

Always Feminine

This word is always feminine, so use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Posada vs. Hotel

Mistake: “Using 'posada' for a large, modern building.”

Correction: Use 'hotel' for modern places and 'posada' for smaller, traditional, or rustic places.

taberna

/tah-BEHR-nah//taˈβeɾna/

nounA2historical, rustic
Use 'taberna' when referring to a historical or rustic establishment that traditionally offered both lodging and dining, similar to a tavern or inn.
A cozy interior of a rustic wooden tavern with tables, chairs, and glasses on a counter.

Examples

Quedamos en la taberna de la esquina para tomar un vino.

We are meeting at the tavern on the corner to have some wine.

Esta taberna es famosa por sus tapas tradicionales.

This tavern is famous for its traditional tapas.

Las paredes de la vieja taberna estaban llenas de fotos antiguas.

The walls of the old tavern were full of old photos.

Gender Identification

Because it ends in '-a', this word is feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it (la taberna).

Taberna vs. Bar

Mistake: “Using 'taberna' for a modern night club.”

Correction: Use 'taberna' for places with a rustic, wooden, or historical feel. Use 'discoteca' or 'club' for modern nightlife.

venta

BEHN-tah/ˈben.ta/

nounB2historical
Select 'venta' for a historical roadside establishment that specifically provided food and lodging for travelers, often found along old main routes.
A cozy, rustic two-story stone building with a red tile roof situated next to a dirt road, representing a historical inn.

Examples

Los viajeros pasaron la noche en una venta antigua cerca del camino real.

The travelers spent the night in an old inn near the royal road.

El Quijote se imaginó que la venta era un castillo.

Don Quixote imagined that the inn was a castle.

Historical Context

This meaning refers to the old, humble inns often found on major routes in Spain, where travelers would stop to buy food and shelter.

Confusing 'Posada' and 'Motel'

Learners often confuse 'posada' and 'motel'. While 'motel' is a direct cognate for a roadside lodging, 'posada' is a more general term for any place offering overnight stays, often with a more traditional feel. Use 'motel' for modern, roadside facilities and 'posada' for a broader, sometimes older, type of inn.

Related Translations

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