What is the Difference Between a Hotel and a Motel?

As you plan your next trip, you may be looking at your options in hotels and motels.  What is the difference between these two, and does it matter which one you book? 

In some cases, it does matter.  Historically speaking, there is a difference in these two types of facilities, but the two are often used interchangeably without any type of differentiating factor.

A motel is actually a shortened form of the word "motor hotel," which is a type of hotel in which you could drive your vehicle up to the door.  Even today, the most common type of building associated with the motel is one in which the doors on the rooms open up to the street, rather than opening up to a corridor or interior space.  Most are one-or two-floor units rather than the taller, multiple floor hotel units.  Parking is traditionally in the middle of the motel unit, which is horse-shoe shaped or ‘L’ shaped.

Traditionally, motels are less expensive and less formal.  They also have a seedy reputation, which means you may wish to reconsider taking your children or grandparents to stay at one, unless you know it very well and know that it is higher quality. 

Hotels often have larger buildings that house additional amenities, including fitness centers, spas and restaurants.  In a motel, these amenities are usually not offered at all.

As you consider which is better between hotels and motels, realize that the name is less important than the features of the establishment.  In other words, focus on choosing a facility that meets your needs in space, design and amenities rather than what the name of the establishment is.