MOTEL is a word derived from the term “motorist’s hotel.” This was a term used when a hotel provided lots of parking and was mostly used for a one-night stay by motorists traveling long distances on major highway and interstate systems.

Motels tend to be confined to locations close to roads and highways, often outside cities but along popular tourist routes.

HOTEL is the word used to describe a building that normally has a ground-floor reception hall leading to interior rooms that open to a common hallway.

The main difference between a hotel and a motel is that hotels are often expansive buildings with hundreds of rooms across different floors, while motels traditionally have one or two floors. Often the rooms in a motel are directly accessible from the car parking space without having to pass through a reception or lobby area.

If you stay in a hotel, you will probably have more amenities than if you stay in a motel. Motels stick to the basics, providing a secure, (hopefully) clean place to sleep. Occasionally motels in popular tourist locations have swimming pools. Hotels, on the other hand, will often offer restaurant and bar facilities, conference rooms and public spaces. Both styles of accommodations are most commonly found in the United States and Canada, but motels and hotels can also be found elsewhere in the world.

Booking a Motel rather than a Hotel

Motels are often a convenient option for travelers making a long journey by road.

Furthermore, motels can be cheaper than hotels because they are unlikely to provide services such as room service, laundry, a gym, or spa.

Almost all motels offer quick breakfasts. Early risers can enjoy boiled eggs, cereal, fruit, oatmeal, sausages. Often there are waffle- or pancake-making utensils.

Sometimes motels can be the cheapest way to stay near a popular location. 

Booking a Hotel rather than a Motel

A hotel features more luxurious accommodations and property amenities suitable for a comfortable vacation.

You may be traveling to an area you are not familiar with. Hotels tend to have more staff. Receptionists and concierges will assist you in planning activities and can provide local information.

Above all, hotels are usually found in more desirable locations.

Depending on your travel dates, you may need to book well in advance.

Safety considerations

When booking a room:

Do your research and select a secure location and facility.

Call the hotel and inquire about the establishment’s safety measures.

Ask about security guards and surveillance cameras and whether the front desk is manned 24/7.

Don’t be gender-specific when reserving the room. Provide only your first initial and last name, especially when traveling alone.

Don’t stay on the ground floor. It is the easiest to access by non-guests and intruders. Ask for a room a few floors up, though not too high in case of a fire or natural disaster.

When you arrive:

Use valet parking when appropriate. While the service can cost money, it allows you to avoid the walk from the parking lot to the hotel.

If the front desk employee announces your room number rather than writing it down, request a new number and have them write it out this time. You don’t want anyone to overhear where you’re staying.

Ask for a couple business cards when you check in. Keep one by your hotel phone in case of an emergency and keep one in your purse or wallet while you’re out and about. You don’t want to forget the exact location of where you’re staying!

Stay with your luggage throughout the check-in process. Don’t get distracted and turn your back to it. Place it between yourself and the reception desk.

Before you unpack, inspect the room to make sure all windows and doors have functioning locks. Do this every time you enter and exit the room.

Throughout your stay:

Make a habit of locking your door as soon as you enter the room. Always use the deadbolt and security chain regardless of how excessive it may seem.

Don’t open the door to strangers. If the stranger claims to be a hotel employee and you’re not expecting anyone, call the front desk to verify. When you do open the door, keep the security chain engaged until you’re certain.

For extra fortification, pack a rubber door stopper with you.

Use the hotel’s main entrance, especially when entering or exiting the hotel after dark.

As much as possible, avoid solitary situations. If necessary, call for an employee to accompany you to and from your car.

Minimize time spent in unsecure environments. When waiting for a taxi, stay in your lobby until it arrives.

Call for room service rather than leaving a card on your door, which shows the number of occupants. You don’t want to alert anyone that you’re occupying the room alone.

Use your in-room safe to stash small valuables. Leave extremely valuable items with the front desk and get a written receipt.

Provide the illusion that someone is in the room when you go out. This can be accomplished by keeping the “Do Not Disturb” card on your door and turning on the television.