Whenever I travel (which is often), it’s important to me that I choose lodging that reflects the type of experience I want to have. Booking the best place to stay goes beyond just considering price and location, although those are important factors. Rather, when it comes to a motel vs hotel, it’s all about defining the purpose of my trip.
For instance, when I road-tripped from Austin to Seattle last year — with my dogs and backpacking gear in tow — I opted to stay at roadside motels or cheaper pet-friendly hotels rather than upscale hotels, because this was a more convenient, affordable option.
On the other hand, an upscale boutique hotel is exactly what I craved when I traveled to Mexico City a few months ago. I knew I’d be spending a fair amount of time at my hotel (hanging out in between sightseeing), so I wanted to stay somewhere comfy and cute, with plenty of amenities. Knowing the key difference between a hotel and motel is crucial when you’re deciding where to stay during your travels, as is considering the type of trip you’re taking. Keep reading for everything you need to know about motels and hotels, so you can find the perfect lodging — and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
What is a motel?
In the case of my West Coast family road trip, I knew I only needed a place to sleep along my route, in which case a motel was my best option. This is because motels are specifically designed for those traveling on the highway. In fact, the word “motel” is short for “motorist’s hotel.” Motels have their origins in the 1920s and 1930s, when the automobile was popularized — during this time, people began traveling across the country and needed places to stay along the way.
Because of their history, motels tend to be located close to roads and highways, outside of urban areas. In general, motels are plain and functional, with little to no bells and whistles. They’re usually single-story structures, and are designed for short, quick stays. Because motels offer fewer guest comforts and amenities than hotels, they’re almost always the more affordable option between the two.
One of the things I love most about staying at a motel is that you usually don’t have to make reservations in advance like you would at a hotel. You just show up and secure a room. As someone who enjoys taking spontaneous road trips, this is really appealing to me.
What is a hotel?
In Mexico City, I wanted to stay somewhere I would be happy to spend a bunch of my time — somewhere with contemporary amenities and cool, historic details. My boutique hotel with the deep soaking tub in the room and delicious complimentary breakfast (all the chilaquiles I could eat) did the trick nicely. People opt for hotels over motels when they want more of an experience, as opposed to a place that’s solely designed for sleep. Unlike most motels, hotels have amenities and services in the form of fitness centers, meeting facilities/business centers, indoor/outdoor pools, on-site restaurants, and more. Some, like the boutique hotel I mentioned here, have unique design features and historical details.
It’s important to note here that nearly all hotels are categorized according to the five-star system. At the low end of the spectrum, a one-star hotel only provides the bare necessities, like a bed and bathroom. At the high end of the spectrum, a five-star hotel provides a plethora of on-site amenities. These could include a designated concierge, spas with licensed masseuses, state-of-the-art gyms, valet parking, and more.
Four- and five-star hotels also have more personalized staff attention than lower-rated hotels. These hotels focus on catering the experience to every guest, with customized menus, unique packages, and other personalized amenities. Staff are also prepared to accommodate special requests. Finally, you can expect the in-room furnishings and bedding to be of higher quality at four- and five-star hotels than at one- and two-star hotels.
Motel vs hotel: differences in sizes, amenities, and location
If you want to find the perfect motel or hotel for your needs, it’s helpful to understand how each type of lodging differs in terms of amenities, location, and size.
Amenities
Because they offer various amenities, hotels are usually more expensive than motels. These amenities can include everything from restaurants to a gym to a spa/swimming pool area, just to name a few. Motels, on the other hand, generally only have the most basic in-room amenities, like bedding, towels, toiletries, and a TV. Some may have a pool and/or continental breakfast room on the premises, but few have services that extend beyond this.
When it comes to amenities, everyone has different values and preferences. Some travelers may not require on-site amenities at all, while others want to have everything from a full-service spa to gourmet restaurants at their fingertips. For me, if I’m considering which type of lodging to book, I’ll often go with a hotel that has a nice swimming pool and room service. I love being able to wake up in the morning to swim laps and end my day with dinner and a glass of wine (best enjoyed with a side of bad reality TV, of course).
Size
Size is another primary difference between a motel vs hotel. A motel is usually a low-slung structure that consists of just one or two floors and relatively few rooms. By contrast, a hotel is a larger building with multiple stories, a lobby, and often hundreds of rooms.
Location
Location is another big difference between the two. Hotels are typically located in cities or towns and near major attractions, airports, and other sites of interest. Motels are strung along roads and highways, away from cities.
Target audience and length of stay: two points to consider
In terms of a motel vs hotel, both types of lodging attract a different audience. Since motels are mostly located on highways and roads, these tend to attract more transient travelers, or people who just need a place to sleep as opposed to those seeking an experience. Motels are usually the cheapest form of lodging because they don’t offer “extras,” so their target audience primarily consists of budget-conscious travelers. Motels are also designed for short-term stays (like for people on road trips as opposed to week-long vacations).
Trying to figure out your budget for your road trip? KAYAK’s Trip Calculator can help. Using this tool, you can break down the costs for your trip and calculate an estimated budget. With this tool, you can ensure a stress-free adventure when you’re out on the road.
Hotels attract a diverse range of guests, many of whom value comfort. Travelers who opt to book a hotel over a motel may want to take advantage of on-property amenities, like a spa, fitness center, or room service. Hotels are also often found near popular attractions and airports, so travelers who value being in a convenient location seek out hotels. Business travelers also tend to find hotels to be the better lodging option — in addition to having on-site restaurants and fast Wi-Fi, many hotels (especially those that are three stars and up) have business centers.
How much is a motel vs hotel?
In general, you can bet that any given motel will be substantially cheaper than a hotel. This is because motels have little to no amenities and relatively simple accommodations, and cater to travelers doing shorter stays. For those traveling on a budget, motels can be a great option.
Hotels can be affordable or expensive, occupying a broad range of prices that reflect the level of accommodations and amenities offered. Location is a major factor in pricing, too. You can expect to pay more for a downtown hotel in Austin than you would for one located outside the city, for example.
Inn vs hotel vs motel
So, you understand the difference between a hotel and a motel — now, what about an inn? In short, inns are small establishments with a limited number of rooms that are often family-owned and operated. Interestingly, inns predate both motels and hotels. Their roots can be traced back to the Roman Empire, when merchants would stay in them while traveling on commercial or government business.
Inns are usually located in the countryside or along highways. They’re also often decorated in a quaint, homey manner, much like a bed-and-breakfast. Like motels, inns cater to short-term travelers and have fairly basic amenities. Generally speaking, staying at an inn costs more than a motel but less than a mid-tier hotel.
Conclusion
Motels and hotels are two of the main types of accommodations that travelers can choose from, and they’re quite different from one another. Hotels are larger, have on-property amenities, and are often centrally located in urban areas. Motels are one- or two-stories, have little to no amenities, and are scattered along roads and highways and perfect for road trips, often in rural areas. Notably, motels are usually much cheaper than most hotels because of their lack of amenities. Now you are clear about hotels, motels, and inns, so start looking for your vacation rental with KAYAK!
How does KAYAK know what to put in this guide?
Traveling is in my blood. I love searching and knowing all the best places to stay in any given location. Along with my personal experiences, the proper KAYAK tools, all products of extensive research have helped me stay passionate about traveling and help fellow travelers pick the right lodging for their needs.
FAQs
Are motels cheaper than hotels?
Yes, motels are generally cheaper than hotels. Motels have fewer amenities than hotels do (or often none at all), and they also tend to be located in rural areas, where the cost of living is more affordable. Motels are also cheaper because they don’t require as many employees as hotels.
Are motels safe?
It really depends on the motel and where it’s located. If safety is a concern, consider picking a place with a few key features. Your room should be equipped with a deadbolt lock and peephole, the phone should allow outside dialing, and the interior and grounds should be well-lit.
What makes a motel a hotel?
If a motel offers amenities and services, this generally qualifies it as a hotel. Examples of this could be a concierge, valet parking, a spa, a swimming pool, on-site restaurants or other food options, and a fitness center. In addition, hotels are usually multi-story buildings, whereas motels consist of one or two stories. Motel rooms are typically accessed from the parking lot, while hotels have a lobby area and interior hallways. Motels generally employ fewer (and less specialized) staff members. Another major difference between the two is the quality of the bedding and furnishings. Hotels have nicer-quality linens, beds, and furniture than most motels.
