Difference Between Hotel and Motel

Hotels and Motels are definitely not the same.

Nowadays, travelers and vacationers have a wealth of choices when it comes to accommodation. However, the traditional hotel and motel are still popular options. Since they are both lodging facilities with similar amenities, people tend to confuse them. Here, we will discuss the differences between a hotel and motel.

Hotel

The word “hotel” originated from a similar French word which meant a place that offers paid lodging. Like motels, hotels offer temporary lodging services, usually on short-term durations of stay. Hotels usually cater to travels, vacationers, and people on business and are thus often situated on commercial areas. They are often pricier than motels but also tend to offer more amenities. These establishments are commonly rated through stars. Thus, the quality of services, amenities, and luxuries are a focal point in the hotel business.

Motel

The word “motel” came from the combination of the words “hotel” and “motor.” Motels first appeared because of the increase in major motorways and vehicular travel. They are meant to cater to weary travelers who are looking for a place to rest. Because of this, motels are often found along the highway or main roads and are easy to spot. They are also more likely to be found in rural areas compared to hotels. Unlike hotels, they are not rated by the star system and thus do not require as much services or amenities to operate. Thus, motels are relatively cheaper than hotels.

	Hotel	Motel
Definition	A lodging facility that offers amenities and room services, usually for short-term visitors	A lodging facility that caters to travelers, usually located along highways and main roads; can be open to long-term lodging
Etymology	From a French word that refers to a place that offers food, lodging and other services	From a combination of “hotel” and “motor,” due to the location and motorists that the motels often cater to
Location	Urban areas, near commercial places like airports, vacation areas, and business districts	Both urban and rural areas, usually by highways and roads
Amenities	Broad range of amenities like buffets, restaurants, casinos, pools, jacuzzi, spa, fitness centers, etc.	More minimal range of amenities like fitness areas, jacuzzi, and outdoor pool
Pricing	Tends to be pricier than motel rates; prices go higher based on the quality and star rating of a hotel	Usually affordable; some motels that offer more amenities can charge higher rates
Ratings	Rated by stars	No star ratings, but can be evaluated through travel reviews
Restaurants	Usually feature restaurants and sometimes buffets; hotels generally offer room service as well	May offer room services or a continental breakfast
Appearance	Generally starts with a reception area/ lobby, followed by hallways leading to interior rooms; range from single to multi-storied	Open walkways, often overlooking the parking lot; tends to be single or double-storied

Venn Diagram