Motel came about when people combined “motor hotel”.  A motel has outside entrances and is one to three stories tall, usually surrounded by a common railing.

A hotel has inside entrances accessed from a shared hallway.  Hotels are generally more than one story tall.

Parking

At a motel parking is generally right in front of the door to the room.  This proximity makes for easy transport of luggage into the room.

In a hotel, parking is in one big parking lot.  Guests often check in at the front desk and take their bags up to their room and then move their car to the parking lot.  At nicer hotels there may be staff to help with the bags.

Amenities

There are very few amenities at a motel.  Motels were developed for short stays for travelers.  Limited amenities at a motel may include daily maid service and there may or may not be room service.

Hotels offer many more amenities because guests often stay multiple nights and need entertainment such as a pool and hot tub.  Many times free Internet connections are offered.  Often hotels will have their own in house restaurant as well.

Pricing

Motels are often far cheaper than hotels.  You are paying for all of those extra amenities and services offered by the hotels.

There are no regulatory agencies mandating the use of hotel or motel so the terms are often used inter changeably.  This is especially true when older properties are purchased and renovated.  When traveling it’s always important to do your research to make sure you’re aware of what kind of lodging you are choosing and that your needs match your choice.

Delicious Digg This Reddit Stumble This