What is the difference between a hotel and a motel?

Answer

A motel, first derived most likely as a combination of the words "motor hotel," is best described as a one to three story structure with rooms that open to the exterior of the building, usually surrounded by a common balcony or patio.

A hotel has rooms that open to the interior of the building, along a hallway, and is multi-storied.

Neither of these terms should be confused with a condominium property, which usually has limited, weekly maid service and is a building made up of privately owned units, or with a resort which is a hotel located in a resort area such as a beach. Hotels can be as limited in service as a Fairmont or Quality Inn or as luxurious in service and appointments as a Ritz Carlton. Motels will often be individually owned, or of a chain such as Motel 6.

Usage of he terms "motel" and "hotel" are not mandated by any governing body and are often applied loosely, especially in a situation where a large chain has purchased an older property and renovated it. The Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort on Cocoa Beach, FL is a prime example: a Resort on a beach with a restaurant, bars, awesome pool, and rooms with no balconies that open to the exterior of a two-story structure. As always, do your research first. The educated traveller is the happiest traveller. :)

Hope this helps!

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