What's the difference between being in a hotel and being in a hotel?

In a hotel means in a hotel. It also refers to people who work in hotels.

In the hotel means around and near the hotel, in this position.

Examples of differences between two phrases:

In the hotel

We spent the night in a hotel.

We spent the night in a hotel.

We stayed in a hotel for several days.

We stayed in a hotel for a few days.

A group of reporters sat in the lobby of the hotel and waited impatiently.

A group of noisy reporters sat in the hotel lobby and waited anxiously.

A bomb exploded in a hotel, killing six people and injuring five others.

A bomb exploded in a hotel, killing 6 people and injuring 5 others.

In a hotel

We held an informal party in a hotel and people flocked to it.

We held an informal party in the hotel and people flocked to it.

If you want to stay in a hotel, you must check in.

If you want to stay in a hotel, you must check in.

They have reserved a room in a hotel.

They have reserved a hotel room.

I work in a hotel by the sea. I teach PE-swimming and water skiing.

I work in a hotel by the sea. I teach physical education &; Swimming and water skiing.