Understanding the Key Differences Between Motels and Hotels

As an avid traveler, selecting accommodations that match my desired experience is essential. While price and location are important considerations, distinguishing between a motel and a hotel hinges on the purpose of my journey.

For example, during my road trip from Austin to Seattle last year — accompanied by my dogs and backpacking gear — I chose to stay at roadside motels or budget-friendly pet-friendly hotels instead of more luxurious options, as they offered greater convenience and affordability.

Conversely, when I visited Mexico City a few months ago, I yearned for an upscale boutique hotel. Anticipating that I'd spend significant time at the hotel (relaxing between sightseeing), I sought a cozy, charming place with ample amenities. Knowing the fundamental differences between hotels and motels is vital for selecting your accommodations, as is reflecting on the nature of your trip. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about motels and hotels, enabling you to secure the ideal lodging and make the most of your travels.

What exactly is a motel?

During my family road trip along the West Coast, I recognized that I only needed a place to rest during my journey, making a motel the ideal choice. This is because motels are specifically intended for travelers on highways. The term “motel” actually originates from “motorist’s hotel,” reflecting its roots in the 1920s and 1930s when automobiles became popular and people started journeying across the country, requiring overnight accommodations.

Due to their background, motels are typically situated near roads and highways, often outside city centers. Generally, they are simple and functional, lacking elaborate features. They tend to be single-story buildings, designed for brief and convenient stays. With fewer amenities and comforts compared to hotels, motels are usually the more budget-friendly choice.

One aspect I particularly enjoy about motels is that they often don’t require advance reservations like hotels do. You can simply arrive and secure a room. This flexibility is especially appealing to me as someone who loves spontaneous road trips.

What defines a hotel?

In Mexico City, I sought a place where I would enjoy spending a significant amount of time — a spot with modern amenities and intriguing historical features. My boutique hotel, complete with a deep soaking tub and a delightful complimentary breakfast (endless chilaquiles!), fit the bill perfectly. Travelers choose hotels over motels when they desire a richer experience, rather than just a place to sleep. In contrast to most motels, hotels offer a range of amenities and services, including fitness centers, meeting spaces, indoor and outdoor pools, on-site dining, and more. Some, like the boutique hotel I mentioned, feature distinctive design elements and historical charm.

It’s worth mentioning that nearly all hotels fall into the five-star rating system. At the lowest end, a one-star hotel provides just the essentials, like a bed and a bathroom. Conversely, a five-star hotel boasts a wealth of on-site amenities, including dedicated concierges, licensed massage therapists in spas, state-of-the-art fitness centers, valet parking, and much more.

Four- and five-star hotels also offer more attentive service than their lower-rated counterparts. These establishments prioritize customizing the guest experience, with tailored menus, exclusive packages, and other personalized offerings. The staff are also ready to accommodate special requests. Additionally, the furnishings and bedding in four- and five-star hotels tend to be of superior quality compared to one- and two-star options.

Motel vs hotel: differences in size, amenities, and location

To choose the ideal motel or hotel for your needs, it's beneficial to grasp the distinctions between these types of accommodations regarding amenities, location, and size.

Amenities

Due to the variety of amenities they offer, hotels typically come with a higher price tag compared to motels. These amenities can range from restaurants and gyms to spa and pool facilities, among others. In contrast, motels usually provide only the most basic in-room amenities, such as bedding, towels, toiletries, and a TV. While some may feature a pool or a continental breakfast area, few extend services beyond these essentials.

When it comes to amenities, preferences vary from traveler to traveler. Some may not need any on-site facilities, while others desire everything from a full-service spa to fine dining options at their fingertips. Personally, when I’m deciding where to stay, I often lean towards hotels that have a lovely swimming pool and room service. I enjoy waking up to swim laps and finishing my day with dinner and a glass of wine (best accompanied by a bit of guilty-pleasure reality TV, of course).

Size

Size represents a key distinction between motels and hotels. Motels are typically low-rise buildings featuring one or two floors and a limited number of rooms. In contrast, hotels are larger establishments with multiple stories, lobbies, and often hundreds of accommodations available.

Location

Location is another significant factor that sets the two apart. Hotels are generally found in urban areas or near major attractions, airports, and points of interest. Conversely, motels are usually situated along roads and highways, away from city centers.

Target audience and duration of stay: two factors to consider

When comparing motels and hotels, it's clear they cater to different types of guests. Motels, typically situated along highways, appeal to transient travelers looking for a quick place to rest rather than an experience. With fewer amenities and lower prices, motels primarily attract budget-conscious visitors. They're designed for short stays, making them ideal for road trippers rather than those planning extended vacations.

Need help budgeting for your road trip? Check out Dinogo’s Trip Calculator. This handy tool allows you to itemize your trip expenses and estimate your overall budget, helping you enjoy a hassle-free adventure on the road.

Hotels draw a wide array of guests, many of whom prioritize comfort. Those who choose hotels over motels often seek amenities like spas, fitness centers, and room service. Additionally, hotels are frequently located near major attractions and airports, appealing to travelers who prefer convenience. Business travelers also tend to favor hotels, particularly those rated three stars and above, as they typically feature on-site dining, reliable Wi-Fi, and business centers.

What are the costs associated with motels versus hotels?

Generally, you can expect that motels will be significantly cheaper than hotels. This is primarily due to their minimal amenities and basic accommodations, making them ideal for travelers seeking shorter stays. For those watching their budget, motels can be an excellent choice.

Hotels vary widely in price, ranging from affordable to quite expensive, depending on the level of accommodations and amenities provided. Location plays a significant role in determining these prices; for instance, a hotel in downtown Austin will typically cost more than one situated on the outskirts of the city.

Inn vs hotel vs motel

Now that you know the differences between hotels and motels, let’s talk about inns. Inns are small lodging establishments with a limited number of rooms, often family-run. Interestingly, inns have been around longer than both motels and hotels, dating back to the Roman Empire, when merchants used them during their travels for business or government purposes.

Inns are typically found in rural areas or along highways and often feature a cozy, homey decor similar to bed-and-breakfasts. Like motels, inns cater to short-term visitors and offer fairly basic amenities. Generally, the cost of staying at an inn is higher than that of a motel but lower than a mid-range hotel.

Conclusion

Motels and hotels represent two primary accommodation options for travelers, each with distinct characteristics. Hotels tend to be larger, offering a range of on-site amenities and often situated in central urban locations. In contrast, motels are typically one or two stories tall, feature minimal amenities, and are commonly found along highways, making them ideal for road trips, particularly in rural settings. Importantly, motels generally come at a lower price point than most hotels due to their limited services. Now that you understand the differences between hotels, motels, and inns, it’s time to begin your search for the perfect vacation rental with Dinogo!

How does Dinogo curate this guide?

Traveling is a passion of mine. I enjoy discovering and sharing the best places to stay wherever I go. My personal experiences, combined with the right tools from Dinogo and extensive research, fuel my enthusiasm for travel and assist fellow adventurers in finding the ideal accommodations to suit their needs.

Are motels less expensive than hotels?

Yes, motels typically cost less than hotels. They offer fewer amenities (or none at all) and are often situated in rural areas where living costs are lower. Additionally, motels usually require fewer staff members compared to hotels, contributing to their lower prices.

Are motels secure?

Safety can vary by motel and its location. If you have concerns, look for places with certain safety features: your room should have a deadbolt lock and a peephole, the phone should allow external calls, and both the interior and exterior areas should be well-lit.

What distinguishes a motel from a hotel?

A motel is considered a hotel if it provides certain amenities and services, such as concierge assistance, valet parking, a spa, a swimming pool, on-site dining options, and a fitness center. Furthermore, hotels are typically larger, multi-story structures, while motels are usually one or two stories high. Motel rooms often open directly to the parking lot, whereas hotels feature a lobby and interior corridors. Additionally, motels generally have fewer staff members, and the quality of bedding and furnishings in hotels tends to be superior to that of most motels.

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