Pronunciation: [ɹˈʌnda͡ʊn hə͡ʊtˈɛl] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "rundown hotel" can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. "Rundown" is spelled /ˈrʌn.daʊn/, with a stress on the first syllable and the "a" pronounced like the "u" in "butter". "Hotel" is spelled /hoʊˈtɛl/, with stress on the second syllable and the "o" pronounced like the "o" in "hope". The combination of these two words refers to a hotel that is in a state of disrepair or neglect.
A rundown hotel refers to an establishment that has seen a significant decline in its condition, maintenance, and overall appeal. This term is commonly used to describe a hotel that has fallen into disrepair, displaying signs of neglect, dilapidation, and obsolete amenities.
Characteristics of a rundown hotel typically include a shabby exterior, crumbling infrastructure, outdated interiors, and poorly maintained common areas such as lobbies, hallways, and dining rooms. The rooms may exhibit signs of wear and tear, with faded furnishings, damaged fixtures, and inadequate cleanliness. The hotel's amenities, such as swimming pools, gyms, or restaurants, might be dysfunctional or outdated, lacking proper maintenance.
Rundown hotels are often associated with a decline in the quality of service and hospitality. The staff's professionalism may be affected due to insufficient training, leading to poor customer service. As a consequence of the hotel's deteriorated reputation, the lack of clientele and revenue may further impair proper maintenance and refurbishment efforts, perpetuating the rundown state.
Such establishments are typically avoided by travelers seeking a comfortable and pleasant stay, as they are unable to provide the expected level of quality, comfort, cleanliness, and modern amenities. Rundown hotels are often left behind by the rapid progress and improvement observed in the hospitality industry, making them a stark contrast to the more upscale and well-maintained establishments found elsewhere.
The etymology of the phrase "rundown hotel" can be analyzed by examining the origins of its constituent words.
1. Rundown: The term "rundown" originated in the early 18th century and originally referred to something that had been physically rundown or worn out. It derives from the verb "run down", which originally meant to chase or pursue, but later evolved to mean to exhaust or wear out. Over time, "rundown" came to be used figuratively to describe facilities or buildings in a state of disrepair or neglect.
2. Hotel: The word "hotel" traces its origins to French, specifically from "hôtel", which originally referred to a large townhouse or mansion. It entered the English language in the late 18th century and came to mean an establishment that provides accommodation, meals, and other services for travelers.
