6 Clear Differences Between a Motel and a Hotel

There are many hospitality properties, including hotels, motels, inns, and more. When considering the long list of other properties, can you consider their significant differences? There will inevitably be some confusion about the many differences between hospitality properties. The two most popular and well-known properties are hotels and motels, so can you think of any differences between them? Then imagine for a second that you are on the road somewhere and need a place to spend the night. On one side of the road is a hotel, and on the other is a motel. Which looks more interesting? Which one do you choose, and how do you choose it? Here are six key differences between them to better equip you when deciding.

Characteristics of Motels and Hotels

Size and Layout

The size and layout between a motel and a hotel are different. Hotels are typically larger and more spacious than motels, having multiple floors, a larger number of rooms, elevators, and connected property amenities such as a restaurant, bar, pool, spa, public areas, conference rooms, or more. Hotels will have a central lobby or reception area with more staff for a more leisurely stay. Motels, however, typically are much smaller and have one or a few buildings with rooms accessible from the outside, often with parking spaces near each room. They may have two floors but are usually known to have only one floor. Motels also have more open walkways instead of elevators and an exterior entrance.

Amenities

The amenities found at most motels are incredibly basic. They sometimes include a few free breakfast items, laundry machines, and a pool. The room amenities may only include basic toiletries, bedding, and towels. Motels tend to have fewer amenities because they focus more on providing basic lodging facilities than hotels. For a hotel, there are more amenities offered. Hotel room amenities include room service, a mini fridge, a hair dryer, Wi-Fi, a safe, toiletries, bath robes, towels, bedding, and more. The smaller amenities include mini shampoo bottles, soaps, and more. Many of these products can be found in InnStyle’s hotel supplies, such as their Whish Kabosu Sea Salt and their Cali Tarocco Economy Packs.

Price

The price difference between a hotel and a motel is quite significant. The average stay per night at a hotel can range from $100 and over. However, the price does vary according to the size of the hotel and the room, the rating of the hotel, and the number of amenities within the room. For a motel, the price for a single night is often below $100 due to the fewer amenities, staff, and other facilities connected to the motel itself. Motels often offer more affordable prices due to their overall basic nature. Properties with higher quality bedding can also raise the price because it can give the guests a more comfortable sleeping experience.

Duration of Stay

The duration of stay is constantly varying due to everyone’s schedule. Hotels cater to both short-term and long-term stays. They suit travelers looking for accommodation for a few nights or even several weeks. On the other hand, motels are typically designed for shorter stays, often targeting road travelers who need a place to rest for a night or two. Motel reservations are usually booked for one to two nights before someone must get back to traveling. There is also something called ‘slow travel’ or ‘slow tourism,’ where hotels and motels offer extra services for people who may be traveling for business or travel and may be staying for extended periods. Slow travel allows guests to spend more time involving themselves in their destination, the motel, or the hotel while working remotely or intentionally experiencing the area. So, motels and hotels have varying availability for those wishing to ‘slow travel.’

Location

Most notably, the location of a motel is in more rural areas, on the city outskirts, or along interstate highways. Motels are usually situated around highways and national road networks due to the busy location and the fewer people. Because of the areas they are found in, motels often cater to travelers who require convenient and accessible lodging during their journeys. Hotels, however, are usually located near airports, urban areas, and resorts in more desirable locations.

Accessibility

In hotels, rooms are accessed from the interior of the building, typically through multiple hallways and elevators. Because hotels are much larger than motels, this sometimes involves asking numerous staff members for directions or help with moving luggage. On the other hand, motels have rooms with external entrances, allowing guests to park their vehicles near their rooms and have easy access from the outside.

InnStyle Welcomes You

InnStyle caters to many hospitality properties, including hotels and motels. Their amenities line and other products are often used and seen within these properties for guests and staff to use and enjoy. Some recommended amenities include their Green Natura Dispensing System, the Whish Amenities Collection, and Cosmetic Washcloth. If you have any questions, please call InnStyle and speak with one of their account managers. They are always happy to help! InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.