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Although the difference between hotel and motel accommodation has become less defined in more recent years, there are still some key variations between the two. Whilst both types of accommodation offer travellers with a range of facilities and services for the duration of their stay, there are some differences that really set them apart. We have outlined these in the list below to help you choose between motels and hotels for your next holiday.

Motels

This term actually originated from the phrase 'motorist hotel', which was a place that was purpose-built for travellers along the highway. Some things to keep in mind about motel accommodation include:

These properties are usually located outside the central city area, close by or even visible from major roadways. This is a reflection of their original purpose, which was to provide lodgings for travellers.

Motel accommodation commonly have rooms that open directly onto their car parks, which allows visitors to park their cars in close proximity to their room. This is beneficial for transporting luggage.

These properties are generally targeted to those who are on the road and looking for somewhere to spend the night, eat breakfast and continue on their journey in the morning as quickly as possible.

Although many motels offer breakfast, they don't always have an onsite restaurant or room service. In these cases, visitors will need to dine out or order in takeaway when it comes time to eat.

Motels tend to offer lower rates, which makes them popular amongst budget conscious travellers. Often, the price depends on how many people the room will sleep.
Hotels

This term, on the other hand, originated from the French 'hôtel', which was a place that saw frequent visitors and provided care (rather than a place offering accommodation). Some things to keep in mind include:

These properties are usually located in urban areas, particularly in the central city areas. Whilst they are sometimes found in the surrounding suburbs, this is quite a rare occurrence.

Hotels are generally targeted to those who are intending to stay in the area for a longer period (more than a few nights). This includes those in town on business or holidays, not just passing through.

These properties generally offer more and better amenities to their motel counterparts. Some of these amenities could include swimming pools, onsite restaurants, room service and gymnasiums.

Hotels are generally the more expensive option, as you are paying for the location of the property as well as the upkeep of the amenities. The cheaper the room, the less luxurious it will be.

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