Invitado vs Huésped
If both are translated as 'guest', is there a difference? Are there times you should use one and not the other?
4 Answers
I think it depends greatly on context. Well, huésped can also mean host, so sometimes you will need to use another word to avoid confusion. Invitado seems to me to put special emphasis on an invited or expected guest, rather than a last-minute one or something like that....
I do not know the nuances and connotations that come with these words, but I recommend that when you're reading a Spanish book, you make careful note of these and any other words that confuse you; notice their relative contexts and surroundings. That will give you a foundation from which to build up a 'feel' for all the shades of meaning that they can possibly hold. 
Huésped is more for a hotel/spa/resort guest. While an invitado is someone you invited to you house or party.
At least that's how I see them.
gringojrf said: Huésped is more for a hotel/spa/resort guest. While an invitado is someone you invited to you house or party.
I agree. I would just add that huésped is also used for someone staying at your house.
As mentioned above, the former is "guest" while the later is "host." As least, that's the only way I have ever understood them when used in this context.
