Hotel vs motel: The differences explained

One of the most important decisions you’ll need to make when travelling is choosing where to stay. The wide range of options available can make this a difficult task, and the confusing terminology doesn’t help. In this guide, we’ll answer the often-asked question – what is the difference between a hotel and a motel? Understanding the features of each will help you decide which accommodation type is right for you.

The concept of hotels as we know them started to gain widespread popularity in the early 1800s. Hotels developed from medieval coaching inns and gradually evolved into accommodation with more services and facilities. Today, hotels offer comfortable lodging for both leisure and business travellers, and are typically characterised by facilities like pools, spas, gyms, business facilities, restaurants and bars. Hotels are usually classified by the universal star-rating system – depending on the size, facilities and level of service offered, they can range from one-star hotels to five-star hotels.

A blend of ‘motor’ and ‘hotel’, motels sprang up in the 1920s as automobiles became more common and people started taking road journeys. Motels were designed as basic lodging for motorists who just needed a place to sleep while on the road, which is why you’ll usually find them along highways and in remote areas. Since people usually stop at motels for only a night or two, they typically feature no-frills furnishings and functional facilities like parking and a TV. Thanks to the simple offerings and shorter stays, motels tend to cost less than mid-range hotels.

Size and layout

• Hotels: they usually have several floors, hundreds of rooms and a spacious lobby and reception area. A large establishment’s layout can have common areas with facilities such as a business centre, gym, garden, pool, restaurant, etc.

• Motels: not more than one or two floors, motels are smaller structures with fewer rooms and a car park. They don’t typically have a central lobby, corridors, lifts or common areas with facilities.

Facilities

• Hotels: intended for travellers looking for longer stays and more of an experience, hotels promise comfort at every level. They’re designed more aesthetically, rooms are better furnished, and services like a 24-hour reception, laundry and room service are available. What sets a hotel apart is its facilities – guests have access to a pool, spa, gym, restaurant, bar, business facilities and more. Most hotels also offer breakfast, which can range from a simple takeaway option to an elaborate spread of local and international dishes every morning.

• Motels: they are more functional, with minimal furnishings and basic facilities suited to overnight stays when on the road. While some motels may offer a limited breakfast or a pool, standard facilities usually just include bedding, towels and a TV in the room. Since motels typically cater to people travelling by car, you can almost always expect to find a parking space for every room.

Location

• Hotels: hotel stays are more intentional, with people generally visiting for a specific purpose. This is why hotels are usually concentrated around areas of interest, such as airports, landmarks, conference centres, event venues, etc. Big cities and popular locations that see a lot of tourists are also densely populated with hotels.

• Motels: in keeping with their purpose, motels are usually located outside cities, in rural areas and along major roads. Convenience and accessibility are prioritised over attractive locations and bustling city centres.

Services

• Hotels: while the quality and level of service offered by a hotel depend on its size and star rating, many hotels maximise comfort and convenience with things like shuttle service, 24-hour reception, security and laundry and room service. Five-star hotels often offer additional services such as turndown service, valet parking and concierge services. Hotels with their fair share of business travellers and people on ‘workations’ are also equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms and business centres for optimum productivity.

• Motels: since motels are tailored to people looking for quick, convenient and cheap accommodation for a night, they offer limited services compared to hotels. Their modest offerings are usually limited to a room to sleep in, a place to park your car and help at the reception. Some motels may also offer free Wi-Fi or a simple breakfast.

Length of stay

• Hotels: while a majority of hotel bookings are for one or two nights, especially from people travelling for work or an event, plenty of people going on holiday seek out hotels for longer durations. Guests often stay up to a week, with several hotels offering long-term stays and even permanent residency.

• Motels: given the transient nature of motel guests, most stay for one or two nights as an overnight stop on a road trip. The facilities and services offered at motels are in line with this, as most people don’t need or expect a lot more from an affordable place to spend the night.

Price

• Hotels: prices can vary greatly depending on the size and type of hotel, room category, destination, time of year and several other factors. However, hotels tend to be more expensive than motels because of the enhanced facilities and services they offer.

• Motels: one of the most affordable types of accommodation available, motels are significantly cheaper than the average hotel. Minimal facilities and staff mean affordable rates for budget-conscious travellers looking for basic lodging.

Access

• Hotels: a key difference between hotels and motels is how you access a room. At a hotel, you’ll likely enter through a main entrance, go through the lobby and take a lift to your floor, where your room opens to the corridor.

• Motels: on the other hand, motel rooms have external entrances that open to the car park. They usually don’t have interior corridors and are designed to give guests direct outdoor access to their room and car.