A motel, also known as a motor hotel, motor inn, or motor lodge, is a type of hotel designed for motorists, usually having each room entered directly from the parking area for motor vehicles rather than through a central lobby. Motels are typically constructed in an "I"-, "L"-, or "U"-shaped layout that includes guest rooms, an attached managers office, a small reception, and in some cases, a small diner and a swimming pool. The first official motel was built in 1925, designed to be an easy, cheap stop on a long car trip. Motels are very much like hotels, but they are usually located on a citys outskirts, providing space to park and a quick walk from car to room.
The main differences between hotels and motels are:
-
Amenities: Hotels offer a number of other services and amenities to its guests, such as restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers, and spas, while motels typically don’t offer amenities and are solely designed to give you a place to sleep.
-
Property size: A hotel is usually a large, enclosed building with hundreds of rooms across multiple floors, while a motel has one or two floors with outdoor room entrances.
-
Location: Motels are generally located along major highways, while hotels are usually located in city centers or near airports.
-
Personnel: Hotels offer a wider range of services than motels, including a cocktail lounge, room service, an on-site recreation, and indoor swimming pool, and more personnel like receptionists and concierges who can assist guests in planning activities or provide local information.
In summary, a motel is a type of hotel designed for motorists, usually having each room entered directly from the parking area for motor vehicles rather than through a central lobby. Motels are similar to hotels, but they are usually located on a citys outskirts, provide space to park, and are solely designed to give you a place to sleep.
