boatel

noun

boa·​tel

(ˈ)bō-¦tel

plural boatels

1

: a waterside hotel equipped with docks to accommodate persons traveling by boat

2

: a boat or ship with sleeping accommodations that is used as a hotel

Want a vacation from the helm but not keen on chain hotels? Relax aboard these floating boatels.

—Mary Kate Hogan, Boating, February 1998

A 50-foot houseboat, the boatel is meant for weekend groups but is available by the night in the off-season …

—John Morthland, Travel & Leisure, March 1997

Word History

Etymology

blend of boat and hotel

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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