What is the Difference Between Motel and Hotel? -

Do you know what distinguishes a motel from a hotel? Find out the difference between these two types of lodgings. The Travel Virgin answers the question ‘What is the Difference Between Motel and Hotel?’

The word “motel” and the word “hotel” are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. A motel is a hotel that offers short-term accommodations to travelers, usually in rooms with kitchenettes or other amenities such as microwaves and refrigerators.

The word “hotel,” on the other hand, refers to a place for visitors where they can stay overnight and get services like room service, laundry service, concierge services, etc. The difference between these two words may seem small—but it’s not!

The Price

Motels are typically cheaper than hotels because they are not as nice and do not offer the same services. Motels tend to only have a few basic amenities like free Wi-Fi in rooms, TVs in each room, and sometimes microwaves and mini-fridges available for guest use. Many motels also include breakfast that is usually very limited within your stay price.

Hotels tend to be more expensive than motels because they offer a greater selection of rooms, services, and amenities like gyms, restaurants within the building, business centers for guest use (which include printers), pools with water-slides or jacuzzis, spas where guests can receive treatments using organic products among many other amenities.

Hotel rates vary depending on the time of year, day of the week, holidays/special events taking place at that time, etc…

Motel Rates

Motel rates also change based on these factors but usually not as much or as often because they don’t have as many amenities and they tend to attract a different kind of clientele than hotels do.

For those seeking budget accommodations without frills, motels are perfect. For those wanting more amenities, hotels provide the perfect blend of luxury and amenities. However, when choosing between motels and hotels in your area, be sure to compare rates carefully.

Additionally, many cities offer special hotel packages during the winter months that may include discounts on restaurants or attractions within the city. Some chains also have frequent guest programs where guests can earn points towards free stays or other rewards.

Many people choose motels over hotels because of the lower prices, especially for families who are traveling on a budget or business travelers who need to keep costs down while away from home. However, this doesn’t mean that all motels should be considered cheaper than all hotels—be sure to carefully compare rates and amenities before making your reservation.

The Location & The Size-What is the Difference Between Motel and Hotel

Hotels tend to be located downtown, usually near businesses, cultural events, and other attractions, areas while motels tend to be farther away from city centers and located along highways or roads.

The word “motel” comes from the idea of having an automobile next to your room for convenience — this was before there were roads with designated parking spots for travelers and the concept of car-sharing wasn’t a thing.

Hotel Size

The size of the hotel is typically larger than a motel, as there are more amenities to offer guests and because they need to attract more customers for business purposes. In addition, hotels often have multiple floors for guest rooms while motels only have one floor since their target market tends to be those who have a lower budget when it comes to accommodations.

Motels also don’t require daily maid service while hotels do because they tend to be larger properties. Plus the size makes them more expensive since you’re paying for space as opposed to just a room.

Hotels typically serve multiple guests at once, while motels provide rooms for single occupants or less since their properties tend to be smaller. The average size of a hotel is around 200-300 guestrooms, while the average motel only has about 40-50 rooms available.

Amenities and Services-What is the Difference Between Motel and Hotel

Motels are generally more “bare bones” in terms of amenities. Most motels provide at least a television with cable or satellite service in the room; however, many do not include alarm clocks.

Hotels tend to include more services that cater to business travelers, such as meeting rooms and other facilities like fitness centers and onsite restaurants. Additionally, many hotels offer amenities like spas and full-service health clubs with an onsite gym (or at least access to one nearby).

Many hotels also offer business services like computer access and printing, fax machines, copy machines, and free wireless Internet. Some hotels also provide concierge services to make your stay easier by helping you schedule sightseeing tours or reservations at restaurants in the area.

On the other hand, most motels only have a front desk or staff available during regular business hours. At many motels, there is no restaurant on-site so you will have to take your chances by heading out to find something nearby if you are hungry in the middle of the night.

Room Service

Room service is also not likely to be available at most motels. Some locations may provide vending machines for snacks and drinks, but you will definitely want to double-check.

In terms of breakfast, motels are usually the better choice. Many hotels offer free continental or “American” breakfasts consisting of pre-packaged muffins, pastries, and fruit along with coffee and juice. This can be a great way to start your day if you are running on schedule but it is not always filling enough for everyone.

In hotels, breakfast is usually an additional charge, even if it is free for hotel guests. Many hotels offer a “continental” breakfast that includes fruit and pastries but not much else.

Finally, not many motels are strict about noise levels at night so you might want to bring earplugs or white noise machines with you. This can be especially important if you are staying with a family or have small children that might be awakened by other guests.

Types of Rooms-What is the Difference Between Motel and Hotel

A motel usually has just one large building where all the rooms are located, while a hotel can have multiple buildings spread out across the property.

Motels typically have exterior rooms with two beds or one king bed, whereas hotels offer interior rooms with windows that open outwards or even larger suites, and sometimes separate living rooms from the bedroom space. Some of the perks that come with staying at a hotel are room service, laundry services, and more modern decor than most motels.

While motels are primarily available for short-term or overnight stays, hotel guests tend to stay at the facility longer, and many hotels offer discounts on rooms if a guest plans to stay for an extended period. Some motels do not allow long-term residency either due to local ordinances (i.e., laws that limit how long someone may rent a room) or because the facility is designed primarily for short-term stays.

Conclusion-What is the Difference Between Motel and Hotel

It’s important to know the difference between these two so you don’t accidentally book yourself into the wrong type of lodging for your trip! This is especially true if you’re traveling with children because motels often charge extra fees for additional guests which can add up quickly.

However, there’s no right answer to this question as it depends on what your needs are when booking accommodations, so keep these distinctions in mind before selecting a place to stay next time you’re on the road.