Small hotels (4)
I believe the answer is:
inns
'small hotels' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for inns that I've seen before include "Bars" , "Roadhouses or courthouses" , "Old hostelries or pubs" , "Drink here and learn about the King's law" , "Old-time hostelries" .)