A bungalow is a rustic dwelling used for tourist purposes.
Determining the etymological origin of the term bungalow leads us to the conclusion that it is an Anglo-Hindu word. It is the result of “bangala”, a Hindi word meaning “Bengal-style house”, which was used by the English, adapting it, until it gave form to the word that concerns us now.
Bengal is an Indian city that has the particularity that its houses are built using only wood.
As for its pronunciation, in English-speaking countries they tend to stress it on the first syllable, turning the “u” into one of the sounds similar to our “a” and the “w” into a “u” (since in English this letter is not called “double v”, but “double u”). In the rest of the world there are various versions, which generally vary by the accentuation (they turn the term into an acute), by the pronunciation of the “u” as we would do it in Spanish, by the omission of the “w” or by pronouncing it as a “v”.
What is a bungalow
A bungalow is a type of cabin or small house , usually intended for tourism . It is a simple construction, with only one floor, and has basic amenities.
For example: “I have already booked a bungalow facing the sea to spend the summer holidays” , “My grandfather lives in the mountains and has a bungalow complex” , “I think it will be cheaper if we rent a bungalow than go to a hotel” .
In some cases, the bungalow is a permanent residence.
Characteristics of these homes
A bungalow can be described as a somewhat rustic dwelling . It is often built in natural tourist areas, such as a beach , a mountain range or a forest . Due to its design, the bungalow seeks practicality, lacking superfluous spaces. A tourist bungalow, beyond the number of beds it has, usually has a kitchen/dining room and a bathroom, as well as furniture, a television and other appliances or household appliances.
In a broader sense, a bungalow can be any dwelling with the above-mentioned characteristics, even if it is for permanent use (i.e. a fixed residence). Bungalows are common in the outskirts of certain cities in the United States , being chosen by older people for their retirement (especially because, as they have all the facilities on the ground floor, they are comfortable constructions for those with mobility problems).
On the other hand, in some regions, a bungalow is also known as a house that has two floors or levels . Defining precisely what a bungalow is, therefore, requires us to pay attention to the context .
Bungalows and tourism
Despite the simplicity that the bungalow represents in its original form, today it can be a home that perfectly fits all the needs of its users, especially when it is rented to tourists in beach areas, since in these cases an experience of absolute comfort is sought.
Given the significant boom in tourism experienced by bungalows, it is common for many people to come across accommodations like this and not be able to identify them in comparison with other types. Thus, for example, the main difference between a wooden cabin and a bungalow is that the former has a completely open interior, with no layout of any kind. However, in the other construction there are separate rooms.
Regarding its use as a holiday home, bungalows are usually found in areas surrounded by nature, although well connected to urban centres and close to all basic services, such as supermarkets and restaurants. When its green surroundings are combined with its rustic appearance, an appearance is created that encourages rest, disconnection from obligations and the rhythm of the city.
The price and other advantages
Although the bungalow is a very simple type of house, this does not mean that it cannot be spacious; in fact, it is designed to accommodate a minimum of two people and is usually chosen by families with children and groups of friends. Regarding prices, it should be noted that in most cases it is considerably cheaper than a hotel , although everything depends on the needs of each person; in a bungalow, for example, users are expected to cook and carry out cleaning tasks, something that does not tempt those looking for absolute peace.
Price is the main reason why many people choose to stay in a bungalow when travelling and enjoying a holiday. However, they also do so for these other reasons:
• It gives them greater independence, freedom and less control than in a hotel.
• They do not have to be subject to the breakfast, lunch or dinner times of the hotel establishments.
• They may feel more at home.
• It does not force you to have to “put up with” other annoying customers or the noise generated in a hotel due to cleaning, for example.