| Cover Page | Feb. 26, 2021 | Aug. 06, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | ||
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000945394 | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Shares of Beneficial Interest | |
| Entity File Number | 1-11527 | |
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 26, 2021 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | SERVICE PROPERTIES TRUST | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | MD | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Two Newton Place | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 255 Washington Street | |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Suite 300 | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Newton | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02458-1634 | |
| City Area Code | 617 | |
| Local Phone Number | 964-8389 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 04-3262075 | |
| Trading Symbol | SVC | |
| Security Exchange Name | NASDAQ | |
| Document Fiscal Year Focus | 2020 | |
| Document Fiscal Period Focus | Q2 | |
| Amendment Flag | false |
