ESL Podcast 382 - Types of Hotels and Accommodations

to explore the options - to learn more about the choices one has; to gather information about what is available

Bill is exploring his options for college by collecting information about all the colleges in the state that offer his major.

run-of-the-mill - ordinary or typical; not special in any way

We ate at a run-of-the-mill restaurant, but we didn't complain because we were so hungry.

chain hotel - one of a group of hotels owned by a large company that has the same name and same look in every city where it is; a hotel owned by a large company that has hotels in several cities

Is it better to stay in a chain hotel where you know what to expect or to choose an independently owned hotel you are not sure about?

cabin - a small, simple house made of wood; a vacation home outside the city, often near a lake or in the mountains

Every summer my family and I spend our vacation at a cabin near Lake Michigan.

rustic - simple and a little rough in appearance; somewhat old-fashioned or rural

The bakery in our town sells the best rustic bread, made with a recipe that has been in the family for over 200 years.

to rough it - to live without all the modern comforts; to do something (like live or travel) in a simple way

Uncle Harold enjoys roughing it so he usually takes a tent, food, and cooking supplies when he travels.

hostel - a place to stay when traveling that may have shared bedrooms and bathrooms; a place where travelers can stay cheaply that is often popular with students

We stayed in a hostel in New York City because everything else was too expensive. We found it was a good way to meet other travelers.

fleabag motel - a cheap, unclean motel; a motel that is not well kept and not comfortable

I will not stay in that place. I have heard it is fleabag motel, with dirty sheets, paint falling off the walls, and even cockroaches.

in the same league - of similar quality; approximately the same value or same level of achievement

After winning first place in several speech contests, Abdi demonstrated that he is in the same league as the other state competitors.

luxurious - grand and expensive; very pleasant and comfortable

The bride wore a luxurious silk wedding gown covered with beautiful lace and real pearls.

modest - simple and reasonably priced; not large or expensive

"You don't need the newest and biggest car, and besides, a modest car is all you can afford," my sister told me.

boutique hotel - a small, pleasant hotel that offers personal service; a hotel that is usually smaller and nicer than common hotels

The boutique hotel on Main Street has all its room decorated with items from Victorian England.

bed and breakfast - a private home that provides a place to stay and serves breakfast in exchange for payment; a home with a few rooms where a home- cooked breakfast is included in the price of the stay

Miriam had a large beautiful old house, and her sister loved to cook so they planned to open a bed and breakfast.

vacation rental - a home in a nice location that people can rent when they take a vacation; a place someone can rent to get away from home for pleasure

Last summer, the Martinez family chose a vacation rental because they could have more privacy and space than a hotel.

to appeal to - to interest or attract; to posses positive qualities that win people's interest

Near a university, you will find many shops that appeal to students.

adventurous spirit - willingness to try new, difficult, or dangerous things; an interest in new or exciting activities

Only someone with an adventurous spirit would bicycle across several continents.

inducement - an action intended to persuade someone; something that encourages a person to do something

None of the workers were interested in moving to another city until the company offered a financial inducement.