Whether the small hotels around the university are formal or not depends on the specific situation. For example:

As we all know, hotels are graded. Besides some chain hotels, there are more private small hotels near the university. Compared with express hotels over 100 yuan, these small hotels are very cheap, even 40 to 50 yuan can stay for one night.

This small hotel is informal. These hotels are simply decorated with their own houses, and there is no rent, and the price is very suitable. Even if they charge tens of dollars a night, they will make money.