Are you also confused between booking a hotel or a motel for your next trip?
Not to worry – in this blog, Graana.com will help you understand the basic differences between the two and decide accordingly.
Overview of The Difference Between a Hotel and a Motel
Hotels and motels both are highly profitable businesses, each of them with distinct features. Even though both of them serve to provide paid lodging to tourists, they differ in many ways.
In addition to the term “motel,” other names for this type of accommodation include “motor hotel” and “motor inn”. While most motels run independently, some of them are part of larger chains. It usually caters to drivers in particular.
A hotel, on the other hand, is a place that offers paid stay for a shorter period of time. There are several types of hotels, all of them offering a unique set of amenities and services to their guests.
Main Differences Between a Hotel and a Motel
There are several apparent differences between the two.
In a hotel, tourists usually have access to a variety of services and amenities, such as an in-house restaurant, a swimming pool, and possibly even a spa.
As a result of the fact that many hotels are also equipped to host conventions and other types of gatherings, a number of business events usually take place here.
In contrast, motels exist to fulfil basic needs and requirements. The phrase “motorist’s hotel” is where the word “motel” originates from. This was a term that was used to describe a place of lodging with adequate parking – a characteristic that is particularly of importance to the residents of the United States and Canada, who routinely travel long distances on the interstate highway system.
Previously, motel rooms usually faced the parking lot, which made it convenient for guests to enter and exit their rooms. This may or may not be the case in modern times because certain motels now have rooms that are linked to communal spaces.
What Is a Hotel?
As stated before, a hotel is a type of establishment that provides tourists with a variety of services, including restaurants, swimming pools, and spas.
As they are typically located in a prime spot of the city, they are also able to host gatherings such as conferences, weddings and other events. We can classify hotels in several different ways, depending on factors such as their location and size.
They can also be organised according to their ranking on the star grading system (which ranges from one to five in most cases), or according to their type, which can include extended-stay hotels, flat hotels, boutique hotels, budget hotels, conference hotels, luxury hotels, limited-service hotels, and inns.
When Should You Book a Hotel?
- Even though motels are less expensive than hotels, you might find that staying in a hotel is more convenient and worth the extra money in certain circumstances.
- Hotels provide finely furnished rooms, faster WiFi, room service, fitness facilities, spas, and other amenities, making them an ideal choice for vacationers looking for a relaxing getaway.
- Hotels typically have more staff members, such as receptionists and concierges, who can help you plan activities or provide local information if you are travelling to an area that you are not familiar with.
- Convenience is often a primary concern, and hotels are typically situated in upscale areas, which are in close proximity to popular tourist spots.
- Business travellers may find certain services more appealing, such as room service or a restaurant right in the hotel, since they make the trip less hassle-free. For instance, there are many hotels in Pakistan for business travellers.
What Is a Motel?
Motels began to sprout up at the same time as when automobiles took over as the most common form of on-road mobility in the early 20th century, and when the expansion of highway networks took place.
The terms “motor” and “hotel” have been combined to form the word “motel”.
The following is a list of some common features of motels:
- Motels are located adjacent to roads and highways, typically outside of cities but along major travel corridors.
- These locations are ideal for tourists.
- They are primarily intended for brief periods of occupancy.
- There is no option for a continental breakfast, but they might provide a simple breakfast with items like bread, cereal, and hard-boiled eggs.
- Motels are sometimes the most cost-effective accommodation option if they are located close to famous tourist locations.
When Should You Book a Motel?
There can be several occasions when it might be more suitable to stay in a motel rather than a hotel, including the following examples:
- If you’re seeking the best value for your money and are not seeking any additional services that are typically offered in a hotel (such as a fitness facility or room service), motels are a better option.
- Motels are an excellent choice for travellers who are taking long road trips since they provide travellers with a place to rest at an affordable price.
Comparison Between a Hotel and a Motel
Hotels and motels differ in the following ways.
Location
As opposed to the location of hotels in central urban areas, motels are usually built alongside roads due to their emphasis on mainly anonymous interactions between the staff and guests.
In contrast to previous hotels, which were not designed with parking for automobiles in mind, motels nearly always have parking spaces. Parking at some hotels may even cost extra.
Restaurants
Both dining options and room service are available at most hotel establishments. In fact, many of them provide free continental breakfast, which includes cereal, eggs, bread, fruits, juices, coffees, teas and much more.
However, there is no guarantee that motels will provide room service for their guests.
Pricing
Hotels can range in price, from being pretty affordable to extremely expensive, depending on the features and services they offer. Because motels provide only basic amenities, they are far more cost-effective than hotels.
Facilities
In addition to rooms that are suitable for business events or conferences, a hotel may also provide amenities such as a swimming pool, spa services, and other leisure activities.
Motels are much less likely to offer specialised services than hotels, however, some of them might have an outdoor pool. Internet access is typically available at both hotels and motels.
Appearance
Hotels are often well-designed and renovated on a regular basis. Because motels are mainly about addressing fundamental requirements, design is usually not a priority in these establishments.
However, this can vary from one place to another.
Duration of Stay
Those who are travelling on a highway and desire a break in-between are those who are likely to stay at a motel. On the other hand, businessmen, tourists, and other types of guests usually stay at a hotel.
However, there are a few hotels or motels that refuse long-term guests, and motels in particular are often willing to accommodate lengthy stays.
Types
Hotels have expanded their service offerings as a result of the growing trend of service specialisation. These days, there are a wide variety of hotels to choose from, including boutique hotels, garden hotels, underwater hotels, and many more. In contrast, motels simply provide a standard room to stay in.
Personnel
Hotel managers hire a large staff, which includes receptionists, cleaners, chefs, bellhops, parking valets, and door attendants, among other positions. Motels often have fewer employees, primarily consisting of receptionists and cleaners. In smaller hotels and motels, it’s not uncommon for the cleaners to also have the responsibilities of a receptionist.
As you can see, there are several distinctions between the accommodations provided by hotels and those provided by motels. Not only are they organised in different ways and provide a variety of services, but they also employ varying numbers of staff members and charge significantly different rates.
When you are planning your next vacation, we hope that you will find this article helpful in selecting which type of lodging option would best meet your requirements for the trip.
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