“Hotels are temporary people storage no matter how big the boxes are. Remember that.” (Naomi Watts)

When you're on the road and far from home, you need a place to stay. Your options are numerous (hostels, bed-and-breakfasts, campgrounds and more) but for many travelers, the choice comes down to two types of accommodations, hotels and motels. Each serves its purpose and has its price, and the one that is better for you depends on what you need, how much you can spend and how long you'll be there.

The word hotel originated in 1765 and comes from a French word for an establishment that provides lodging, meals, and other services. Hotels are expansive buildings with hundreds of rooms across different floors; a reception or lobby area with concierge, bell man, and other hotel staff; a restaurant and bar facilities, conference rooms and public spaces, gym, spa, room service, mini fridge, and safe. Popular brands include Best Western, Holiday Inn, Marriott, Comfort Inn, Sheraton, Four Seasons, Hyatt, and Radisson.

When should I book a hotel instead of a motel?

· If you are looking for property amenities and a comfortable vacation, hotels feature more luxurious accommodations, room service, gyms, spas, and more.

· If you are traveling to an area you are not familiar with, hotels tend to have more staff like receptionists and concierges who can assist you in planning activities or provide local information.

· If you are hoping to be in the middle or popular attractions, hotels are usually found in desirable downtown locations.

· If you are visiting a conference, hotels commonly feature sit down restaurant service for breakfast, lunch and dinner so you can have a hassle-free schedule.

· Lobbies, concierge services, and amenities are large differences between hotels and motels.

The word motel came along in 1925. It blends the words motor and hotel. Motels are an American phenomenon that originated as inns along the country's first major motorways. Motels offered rest to weary explorers and families on vacation. Motels traditionally have one or two floors; often rooms are directly accessible from the parking lot without having to pass through a lobby; they sometimes feature free early morning breakfasts or laundry machines; and they stick to the basics by providing a clean, safe place to sleep. Popular brands include Econo Lodge, Knights Inn, Hotel 6, and Super 8.

When should I book a motel instead of a hotel?

· If you’re looking for the best value and do not need property amenities, motels can be cheaper because they are unlikely to provide services such as room service, laundry, a gym, or spa.

· If you’re on a road trip, Motels are often a convenient option for travelers making a long journey by road after they rent a car at the airport. Motels usually offer quick breakfasts such as boiled eggs, cereal, fruit, oatmeal, and sausage for early risers.

· Motels can be the cheapest way to stay near a popular location.

“I don't like posh hotels. I like small, eclectic hotels, and luxury for me would mean really good company with good food in a really funky, beautiful house in the middle of a field where someone came and serviced the place for us.” (Amanda Donohoe)[i]