Inn is a generic, historical term that preceded the term hotel and is not to be confused with the term country inn. The use of inn in a company name (such as Holiday Inn and Ramada Inns) has become synonymous with motor inn in some cases and reflects the fascination many people have with the term. Sometimes, however, a property that uses the word inn is attempting to capture in its name the old-fashioned European image of an inn, with or without maintaining the small intimate atmosphere usually associated with the inn of old. As a consequence, the term should be regarded with some caution.