Have you ever started researching accommodations and thought, “What is the difference between a hotel and a motel?” You're not alone—their differences aren’t always obvious. When you’re scrolling through endless listings or pulling off the highway after a long drive, it may be hard to tell!
As of 2024, there were 112,383 hotel and motel businesses in the U.S., representing a 4.2% increase from 2023. As more of these accommodations pop up, knowing the differentiators is key! In this guide, we’ll break down the motel vs hotel debate with simple, side-by-side comparisons.
What we’ll cover:
A hotel offers short- and long-term lodging, with features that make multi-night stays comfortable. Often, they're located in city centers, near airports or in remote areas where the destination is the main attraction. They cater to all kinds of travelers: business guests, families, couples, event attendees and everything in between.
The type of hotel amenities you’ll have depends on the property’s type and star rating. For example, you might find spas, concierge services and laundry in 5-star luxury hotels. On the other hand, a 3-star budget hotel will have more limited amenities, such as a simple restaurant or bar.
Did you know the word “motel” is short for “motor hotel”? They were originally created for road trippers looking for a quick, convenient stopover. Most have room doors that open directly to the parking lot, making it simple to pull in, sleep and hit the road again.
Motels are typically more budget-friendly than hotels, and they’re often found along highways, in small towns or on the outskirts of cities. You won’t find room service or rooftop bars here, but for a one-night stay or a no-frills trip, motels still serve a purpose.
While they might seem similar at a glance, several differences make hotels and motels distinct. Below, we break down the six major factors involved in choosing the right fit for your next stay.
Motels have one main goal in mind: keeping your vehicle close. Most motel rooms let you park right outside your door. This setup makes motels perfect for road trippers and quick stopovers.
Hotels, on the other hand, usually have interior corridors with rooms accessed from hallways inside the building. They’re designed for guests who want more than just a place to sleep. It’s about comfort and convenience, but can also be about a bit of luxury, too.
So what’s cheaper: motel or hotel? Staying in a motel is typically cheaper, even when compared to a budget hotel. Motels are cost-friendly, offering just the basics with no extra bells and whistles. If you want to save cash and don’t mind fewer perks, motels are the way to go!
Hotels usually charge more because they provide more services, bigger spaces and better amenities. From lower-star options that have a pool and hot tub to ultra-luxury resorts full of activities, rates typically match the level of service.
Hotels pack in the perks, even when they’re not 5-star properties. Most hotels contain a gym and pool, while some offer room service, restaurants, concierge desks and more. Depending on the property, there are a lot of things to do in a hotel. Motels keep it simple, usually offering just free parking, cable and Wi-Fi.
When deciding where to book, guests consider amenities carefully. A 2023 Gensler survey that restaurants, swimming pools, hot tubs and communal outdoor spaces are the most desired hotel amenities.
With the exception of boutique properties, hotels tend to be much bigger than motels. They usually offer multiple floors and multiple types of hotel rooms to choose from, ranging from standard singles to suites.
Motels usually have fewer rooms spread out in one or two stories. They generally have a single room type since the focus is on simple, quick stays. Some may have multiple bed sizes or small differentiators, but are generally limited to one or two configurations.
Location is a major clue when distinguishing motels from hotels. Motels are perfect for travelers needing an easy pit stop and are commonly found in:
Hotels, meanwhile, cater to tourists, business travelers and event attendees. They thrive in:
While hotels and motels may be found in any of the above locations, this rule of thumb helps you understand what property type you’re dealing with.
Motel designers have short stays in mind—think one night, maybe two. They’re all about convenience and affordability for travelers on the move. They usually won’t have amenities needed for longer stays, such as daily housekeeping or on-site food options.
Hotels cater to both short and long stays, whether you’re on a quick business trip or a week-long vacation. Their extra services and convenient locations make longer stays more comfortable and enjoyable.
Choosing between a hotel vs motel mostly comes down to your trip’s purpose and your preferences. If you’re on a quick road trip and want something budget-friendly with easy parking, a motel is probably your best bet. But if you’re looking for extra comfort, more amenities and a prime location, a hotel will serve you better.
When researching your options, think about how long you’ll stay, what kind of experience you want and how much you’re willing to spend. Both types of properties have their perks, and knowing the key differences helps you pick the perfect spot (and avoid surprises!).
Whether you're running a roadside motel or a luxury resort, the key to standing out is offering a seamless, modern guest journey. Canary’s solutions help hotels and motels of any size improve their operations—book a demo today to learn more.
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