What is the difference between hotel and motel?

Motel is a word derived from the term "motorist's hotel." This was a term used to indicate when a hotel provided ample parking, a feature that is particularly useful to Americans and Canadians who frequently travel long distances on major highway and interstate systems. read more

Motor + Hotel = Motel Motels are by definition designed for motorists, typically of low floors with parking available conveniently in front of the lodging keys. read more

'Inn' is a generic name for just about any establishment that provides overnight lodging. It shows up in a lot of trademarks (Holiday Inn, Days Inn, Hampton Inn, etc.) and usually implies a smaller hotel, or something simpler, or something with more intimacy, but there's not really a technical definition. read more