What Is the Difference Between a Resort and a Hotel?
Picture yourself planning your dream holiday to Bali. You’re scrolling through endless stay options. You’re trying to decide between the allure of a luxury resort or the convenience of a chic hotel in the heart of the bustling city. But how do you know which of the two accommodation types is truly right for your holiday?
Resorts and hotels, both offer lodging. But, they provide distinct benefits that can significantly shape your holiday experience. In this blog, we will highlight the difference between a resort and a hotel.
How can this information help you?
You can confidently choose the accommodation type that best aligns with your requirements the next time you plan your Bali holiday.
5 Differences Between Resorts and Hotels
Primary Purpose
Key Difference: Resorts provide guests with a comprehensive holiday experience that covers accommodation and several leisurely activities. Hotels prioritise offering a comfortable stay. They offer amenities and other perks based on grade.
When we speak of the holiday experience at a resort, it means indulging in many amenities and activities within the resort’s premises. These can include:
- Dining options
- Recreational facilities like yoga, indoor games, and sports spaces
- Private pools
- Parks or gardens for strolling
- Wellness activities like spas
- Special packages for couples
- Thematic tours
- Cultural attractions
You can think of a resort like a cruise ship but on land.
A hotel commonly provides 24-hour reception services and clean, well-appointed rooms. Depending on its rating, additional facilities may include:
- Basic dining options
- Laundry services
Higher-rated hotels offer an expanded range of amenities like
- Premium dining venues
- Banquet halls suitable for weddings
- Conference facilities for business events
- Luxurious spa services
Layout
Key Difference: Resorts often use expansive horizontal layouts, emphasising spaciousness. Hotels prioritise functionality with vertical structures.
Resorts are often situated on large tracts of land. They offer guests sprawling landscapes and ample space for recreational amenities. Many resorts may offer standalone villas or cottages for a secluded and tranquil experience.
Hotels focus on efficient use of space, with tall buildings and compact room layouts. This vertical design enables hotels to accommodate several guests within a limited area. It makes amenities accessible to all guests.
Location
Key Difference: Resorts are usually in picturesque settings like beachfronts, mountainsides, or tropical islands. They focus on providing stunning views and immersing the guests in natural beauty. Hotels have more flexibility in terms of location. As their primary purpose is offering accommodation away from home, they can be anywhere.
Resorts that offer exclusive panoramic views and tranquil surroundings often command premium prices. Whereas hotels closest to business districts, airports, or railway stations usually charge high rates, as they save commute time.
Service Packages
Key Difference: Resorts often offer packages that cover accommodation, meals, drinks, and activities. The essence is to provide a stress-free holiday experience. In contrast, hotels require guests to pay separately for meals, drinks, and activities.
Let’s explain this with an example. Some resorts may offer you luxurious accommodation, gourmet meals, refreshing beverages, and a variety of water sports and excursions — all included in one upfront price.
But in the case of a hotel, you usually pay for your room separately and then incur additional costs for meals at the hotel restaurant, drinks at the bar, and tickets for local attractions. English breakfasts are usually complimentary.
Length of Stay
Key Difference: Resorts cater to guests looking for extended vacations or a wedding and honeymoon. In contrast, hotels are typically meant for shorter stays.
Resort stays often last for many days or a couple of weeks. Resorts allow visitors ample time to immerse themselves in the resort’s offerings, from leisure facilities to recreational activities. On the other hand, the length of a hotel stay ranges from a single night to a few days.
When Should You Choose To Stay in a Resort?
You can choose to stay in a resort when:
- You’re planning an intimate romantic getaway or honeymoon for several days or weeks. And, you want to indulge in leisurely activities, all within the confines of a single location, without the need to step outdoors.
- You want to unwind amidst stunning landscapes like pristine beaches, lush mountainsides, serene lakesides, or secluded island paradises.
- You prefer hassle-free vacations that group accommodations, meals, drinks, and recreational activities in comprehensive packages.
- You’re travelling with family and want an accommodation that offers kid-friendly amenities and spacious accommodations for everyone’s comfort and enjoyment.
- You’re looking for rejuvenation and pampering in your holiday, like indulgent spa treatments, yoga sessions, and holistic wellness experiences.
When Should You Choose To Stay in a Hotel?
You can choose to stay in a hotel when:
- You’re looking for a centrally located accommodation near business districts, tourist attractions, or transportation hubs.
- Your travel plans involve a brief visit, like overnight layovers, weekend city breaks, or single-night stopovers.
- You prefer budget-friendly options or want to pay only for the amenities you’ll use.
- You’re travelling for work and require essential amenities like Wi-Fi, business centres, meeting rooms, and proximity to corporate offices or event venues.
- You want to use your hotel as a comfortable base to explore the place’s culture, dining scene, shopping districts, and nightlife.
Vacation Experience in Ubud
If you’re looking for a luxurious holiday in the lap of nature, we invite you to Viceroy Bali in Ubud.
It’s a magnificent resort, sitting on a picturesque hill above a breathtaking valley. Yet, the resort is situated within the urban comfort and convenience of Ubud.
Our 40-pool villas span different categories and offer unobstructed views of serene nature. They are spacious yet intimate, housing traditional Balinese design, and contemporary amenities. We offer you personalised luxuries like 2 award-winning fine-dining restaurants, a sophisticated spa, and even a private helipad.
We excel in the art of delighting our guests with prompt attention, pampering and customised services without being intrusive. A staff of over 100 people manages 40 villas.
Viceroy Bali is an excellent choice for families and couples who prefer everything exclusive, elegant, and exotic in Bali’s tropical paradise!
