Main Difference – Hotel vs Motel
Hotels and motels are two types of establishments that provide accommodation to travelers and tourists. The difference between hotel and motel lies in the type of services and facilities they offer. A motel is considered a type of hotel which is designed primarily for motorists. The rooms in motels are typically arranged in low blocks with parking directly outside. This is the main difference between hotel and motel.
What is a Hotel
A hotel is an establishment that provides accommodation, meals, and other services for a short-time basis. The services provided by a hotel depending on the size and type of the hotel. For example, a small hotel may provide facilities such as basic bed and storage (for clothing), but luxury hotels usually provide facilities such as en-suite bathroom, swimming pool, childcare, room service, etc.
As mentioned above, hotels vary in size, facilities, and cost. Given below are some general hotel categories.
Upscale luxury hotels: Hotels that provide luxury facilities, full-service accommodations, on-site full-service restaurants, and a high level of personalized and professional service. This type of hotels is often classified by at least four or five Diamond or Star status.
Full-service hotels: Hotels that offer full-sized luxury facilities with full-service accommodations and amenities.
Boutique hotels: Small hotels containing 10 and 100 rooms
Inn: Building where travelers can seek lodging, food and drink. They are considered to be the precursor of hotels.
Motel is another type of hotel. Let’s look at motels in more detail.
What is a Motel
A motel is a roadside hotel designed primarily for motorists, typically having the rooms arranged in low blocks with parking directly outside. Motels are usually situated on highways or near outskirts of towns. They target the travelers who want a break from their journey. A motel has an exterior corridor so that the guests have access to their rooms from outside.
Motels aim to fulfill the basic needs of the travelers such as sleeping or having a wash. Thus they offer minimal facilities. Motels may offer a light meal, but they do not offer room service. However, motels are often cheaper than hotels.
Difference Between Hotel and Motel
Definition
Hotel is an establishment that provides lodging and usually meals, entertainment, and various personal services for the public.
Motel is an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area.
Rooms
Hotel rooms are not accessible from an outdoor parking area.
Motel rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area.
Facilities
Hotels provide more facilities and amenities than motels.
Motels only provide basic facilities.
Cost
Hotels are usually more expensive than motels.
Motels are cheaper than hotels.
Security
Hotels may have better security.
Motels may have security issues since rooms are accessible from the outside.
Image Courtesy:
“Hotel Bristol w Warszawie” By Cezary p – Own work (GFDL) via Commons Wikimedia
“High Desert Motel, Joshua Tree” By Bernard Gagnon – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
