Crossword Genius

Holidaymakers' initial destination perhaps in Lesotho not so awful? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hotel

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'holidaymakers' initial destination perhaps' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'lesotho not so awful?' is the wordplay.
'not' suggests deleting specific letters.
'awful?' indicates an anagram (I've seen 'awful' mean this).
'lesotho' with 'so' removed is 'letho'.
'letho' anagrammed gives 'HOTEL'.

'in' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hotel that I've seen before include "guest house for a song before 8 [STATE] ..." , "Eg, Savoy, Ritz" , "Accommodating establishment" , "Travel accommodation" , "pension?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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