Hotel vs Motel
When it comes to their characteristic features and purpose, hotels and motels have some differences between them, which can be very useful to know. A motel is a U-shaped or a square-shaped construction with an inner courtyard designated for parking vehicles. In contrast, a hotel has a different design, where its rooms face inward. The term motel is a combination of the words motor and hotel, while the word hotel originated in the mid-18th century from the French word hôtel.
What is a Hotel?
The Oxford dictionary defines a hotel as an establishment providing accommodation, meals, and other services for travelers and tourists, by the night. From this definition, it is clear that hotels cater to travelers and tourists, offering facilities for long stays, while motels are generally for overnight stays only. Some hotels also have suites for short-term accommodation. Guests may stay in a hotel for a week or even longer if they are on a business trip or a weekend getaway with their families. Hotels offer various luxuries such as restaurants, bars, swimming pools, gyms, spas, and other facilities. They are rated based on the facilities and luxuries they provide to customers, with ratings ranging from one to seven stars or more in the future.
What is a Motel?
According to the Oxford dictionary, a motel is a roadside hotel designed primarily for motorists, typically having rooms arranged in low blocks with parking directly outside. Motels do not offer as many luxuries as hotels and are intended for relaxation and refreshment during long journeys. A unique feature of a motel is its parking lot within its premises, usually in the inner courtyard. This differs from hotels, where parking lots are generally a walk away from the hotel. Motels offer affordable rates and easy access, making them a better choice for overnight stays during travel than hotels, as they are often located on less traveled roads before reaching your destination.
What is the difference between Hotel and Motel?
One of the key differences between a hotel and motel is that hotels cater to both travelers and tourists, while motels are designed primarily for motorists. As a result, the facilities differ accordingly. Another main distinction is that hotels are usually located within a town or city, while motels are situated outside the town or city, often on less traveled roads or along streets. Hotels are suitable for long stays, whereas motels are not ideal for extended stays. Motels provide a great experience for families to stay, especially during long journeys.
Key Takeaways
- Hotels cater to travelers and tourists and are designed for longer stays, while motels are primarily for motorists and short stays.
- Hotels are typically located within a city or town, whereas motels are found outside the city or town, often along less traveled roads or streets.
- Hotels offer more luxuries and have separate parking lots, while motels have fewer luxuries and parking lots within their inner courtyards.
