What is the Difference Between Lodge and Guest House

The main difference between lodge and guest house is that the owners of a lodge don’t live on the same premises while the owners in a guest house usually live on the same premises but within a separate area of the property.

Both lodges and guest houses provide accommodation to paying guests. Although they are two different types of lodges, they have many similarities.

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is a Lodge 
     – Definition, Features
2. What is a Guest House
     – Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Lodge and Guest House
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Lodge and Guest House
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Accommodation, Lodge, Guest House

What is a Lodge

A lodge is a place that provides accommodation in exchange for payment. A lodge is usually smaller than a hotel. We usually use the word lodge to describe a house or hut in the country or in the mountains where people stay on holiday. Sports enthusiasts, as well as nature lovers, tend to prefer lodges since they are often in rural and rustic places like beaches, forests, and mountain tops. Such guests may stay in the lodge for several days.

Enthusiasts of different recreational activities also prefer to stay at lodges. For example, those who love to ski may prefer ski lodges, while those who love to hunt may prefer hunting lodges. The facilities and amenities can vary according to different factors like location, luxury level, and price.

In some South Asian countries like India and Sri Lanka, the term lodge can also refer to lodgings like motels and mini-hotels. They are urban lodgings that provide accommodation and basic amenities.

What is a Guest House

A guest house is a private house offering accommodation to paying guests. In different parts of the world, this word can refer to different types of lodgings. In some countries, they are inexpensive hotel-like lodgings. However, in some other countries, they are private houses which are for the exclusive use of lodgers.

Generally, the owner of the guest house and his family live in an entirely separate area within the property. Therefore, these family members may work as the staff. Some guesthouses also offer meals, especially breakfast. In some countries, guest houses and bed and breakfast mean the same. Guest houses are smaller than hotels and have fewer facilities. However, they may provide a friendly and homely experience for guests. They may also provide a calm and quiet environment where guests can relax and enjoy their stay.

Similarities Between Lodge and Guest House

• Both provide accommodation to paying guests.
• Lodges and guest houses are usually smaller than hotels and have fewer amenities.

Difference Between Lodge and Guest House

Definition

A lodge is a place that provides accommodation in exchange for payment while a guest house is a private house offering accommodation to paying guests.

Owners

In a lodge, the owners don’t live on the same premises; however, in guest houses, the owners live on the same premises, but within a separate area.

Location

Lodges are usually located in rural or rustic places, near mountains, beaches, forests, etc. while guesthouses are located in both urban and rural areas.

Guests

Moreover, lodges are preferred by people like nature lovers, sports enthusiasts, etc., while guest houses are used by different types of guests.

Conclusion 

Both lodges and guest houses provide accommodation to paying guests. In a lodge, the owners don’t live on the same premises; however, in guest houses, the owners live on the same premises, but within a separate area. Generally, lodges are located in rural or rustic places, near mountains, beaches, forests, etc. while guesthouses are located in both urban and rural areas. Thus, this is the difference between lodge and guest house.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Hut Roadside Forest Free Photo” (CC0) via Needpix
2. “White and red 2 storey house” (CC0) via Pickrepo