Historically, travelers in China stayed at a 客栈 (kèzhàn), a traditional inn that often served as a teahouse and a stable for horses. 旅馆 (lǚguǎn) is the more modern evolution of this concept, emerging in the 20th century.
The key cultural distinction for a learner is understanding 旅馆 in relation to its modern counterparts. In Western culture, the word “hotel” covers everything from a cheap roadside motel to the Ritz-Carlton. In Chinese, the choice of word subtly signals the establishment's class and style:
旅馆 (lǚguǎn): Often implies a smaller, independently-run, or more basic hotel. It's functional and focused on providing a place to sleep. It's comparable to a motel, a simple inn, or a 2-star hotel in the West.
酒店 (jiǔdiàn): This term is used for larger, more modern, and often more luxurious hotels that offer a wide range of amenities like restaurants, conference rooms, and gyms. This is the word you'd use for a Marriott, Hilton, or any major chain hotel.
宾馆 (bīnguǎn): Translates to “guesthouse.” These were traditionally state-run and used to host officials and dignitaries. Today, the term is still used for many hotels, sometimes implying a slightly more formal or official character, though they can range from mid-tier to very high-end.
Choosing the right word reflects your expectations. If you're looking for simple, affordable lodging, you're looking for a 旅馆.
In modern China, 旅馆 is a widely understood term, though it's less common in the marketing materials of upscale hotels, which prefer the more prestigious-sounding 酒店 (jiǔdiàn).
On the Street: You will frequently see signs with “旅馆” on the street, especially in smaller cities, older neighborhoods, or near train stations. These signs indicate no-frills, affordable accommodation.
In Conversation: It's a perfectly neutral and common word to use when asking for directions (“Is there a hotel nearby?”) or talking about past travel (“We stayed at a small lǚguǎn.”).
Connotation: The connotation is generally neutral but can lean towards “basic” or “budget.” It's not negative, but it doesn't suggest luxury. If a friend tells you they are staying in a 旅馆, you would not assume they are at a five-star resort.
The most common pitfall for learners is not understanding the difference between 旅馆, 酒店, and 宾馆. Using the wrong one isn't a critical error, but it can sound strange or misrepresent the place you're talking about.