When giving names to people staying at a hotel, it’s good to learn which ones work best. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best words to use to address exactly that, so you don’t have to be lost for the correct word in the future.
What Is The Correct Name For A Person Staying At A Hotel?
A person staying at a hotel can be called a “guest.” It’s the most common word to call them as they are guests in the establishment. You may also hear them called “customers,” “travelers,” “tourists,” and “tenants.” Some of these words are less common, though.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, the definition of “guest” is “a person who is staying with you or a person you have invited to a social occasion, such as a party or a meal.”
Guest
We’ll start with the most appropriate and best name for them. If you’re running a hotel, then you’ll want to refer to the people staying there as “guests.”
“Guest” is a welcoming word that lets people know you’re happy that they’re staying with you. It treats them as an equal that you’re happy to share your hotel with.
“Guest” is the politest word you can use and the most common to hear in English.
- You are a welcome guest in our establishment!
- This hotel welcomes all of its guests with great joy!
- Welcome, new guests! We’re so happy to have you here.
Customer
The next word we want to talk about is “customer.” This is another common word to use, but many decent hotel owners will avoid using it.
“Customer” refers to people staying at a hotel because they’re paying for their stay and paying for the service. Most good hotels won’t call their guests “customers” because it is less personal and refers to the fact that they’re not friends but are instead nothing but a source of income.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, “customer” means “a person who buys goods or a service.”
While “customer” is grammatically correct when referring to people staying at a hotel, that doesn’t mean it’s appropriate. You should avoid using this one if you want to keep a friendly rapport with them.
- We have three customers coming in for the rooms later.
- These customers would like to talk about their hotel room.
- The customers at our hotel are treated with nothing but respect.
Traveler
When we use “traveler,” we typically talk about people who have come from far away.
“Traveler” is a great word to use to refer to people staying at a hotel. However, it’s more appropriate for people that have come from far away. It shouldn’t be used to talk about locals staying at the hotel in their area.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, “traveler” means “someone who travels” and usually refers to someone coming from far away.
It can be hard to distinguish between real travelers and locals, so sometimes hotel owners stay away from using this word.
- We welcome all kinds of travelers to this hotel!
- You’re a traveler in these parts, and our hotel has plenty of room!
- We accept travelers at this hotel.
Tourist
“Tourist” is a word that works very similarly to “traveler.”
A “tourist” is somebody who’s come from a place further away than the local area. It can apply to those that have traveled but not to those that live locally.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, “tourist” means “someone who visits a place for pleasure and interest, usually while on holiday.”
Again, it can be hard to distinguish who has come from where, so it’s not the most common word to use.
- Welcome, tourists! This is our fantastical hotel!
- You’re in the best hotel for tourists in the country.
- We have two tourists coming in for the honeymoon suite.
Tenant
Finally, “tenant” is a word we want to talk about.
“Tenant” works like “customer,” in that it’s a valid word to use, but it refers more to the monetary situation of renting a hotel room rather than being welcomed as a guest into one.
According to The Cambridge Dictionary, “tenant” means “a person who pays rent for the use of land or a building.”
It’s the least popular choice to use on this list.
- You’re a tenant at my hotel. Let me look after you!
- You’re all tenants here!
- Welcome, tenants! Is there anything we can do for you?
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Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
