Hotel vs motel vs inn: What’s the difference?

Planning a trip and unsure where to stay? We explain the differences between accommodation options to help you choose the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.

One of the first hurdles in planning a trip is deciding on the right accommodation. With so many options available, from boutique hotels to quaint countryside inns and convenient roadside motels, the decision can feel overwhelming. Understanding the distinct characteristics, amenities, and typical price points of hotels, motels, and inns is key to ensuring your stay aligns with your budget and preferences.

What's a motel?

When the automobile became the prevalent mode of road transportation in the early 20th century and freeway networks expanded, motels began to appear. The word "motel" combines the words "motor" and "hotel."

Here are a few facts about motels:

  • Motels tend to be located in areas close to roads and highways, often outside cities but along popular tourist routes.

  • They are typically designed for short stays.

  • A full, hot breakfast buffet is not typically offered; however, they may serve a basic breakfast with items such as hard-boiled eggs, bread, and cereal.

  • Motels can be the cheapest places to stay near popular destinations.

What's the difference between a hotel and motel?

In addition to lodging, hotels offer a range of other services and amenities to their guests. If you book a hotel, you’ll get more than just a room or suite to sleep in. You may also benefit from a restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center, and spa. A motel, on the other hand, typically offers fewer amenities that are less extensive and luxurious. Motels typically offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, basic cable TV, vending machines, and a small pool.

Another one of the differences between hotels and motels is property size. A hotel is typically a large, enclosed building with hundreds of rooms spread across multiple floors, whereas a motel usually has one or two floors with outdoor room entrances. While you will go through a lobby and take an elevator to get to your room in a hotel, you’ll likely enter your motel room from just off the parking lot without passing through a lobby.

Both styles of accommodations are widely available in the United States and Canada, and they can also be found when you travel to other countries around the world.

What's an inn?

Inns are small properties with a limited inventory of rooms that prioritize a personal, charming experience, as they are typically found in rural locations and sometimes within communities. Additionally, inns are often privately or family-owned and operated. 

They do not offer the extensive range of amenities found in larger hotels. Those that are available are typically focused on comfort within the rooms, such as WiFi, toiletries, a coffee maker in the room, and a basic daily breakfast offered in a common area. Compared to motels and hotels, inns are often decorated by the owners and have a more homey feel than brand-name chains.

Key in the lock of an open door leading to a bedroom in an inn

When should I book a motel instead of a hotel?

There are a number of situations where it makes more sense to select a motel instead of a hotel, such as:

  • If you’re looking for the best value and don’t care about some amenities, like a fitness center or room service, motels can be cheaper.

  • If you’re on a road trip, motels might be the most convenient and inexpensive option, depending on the location.

Motels originated as basic, self-service hotels conveniently located along highway routes, like Route 66, which is a popular cross-country route with many historic and unique motels.  

When should I book a hotel instead of a motel?

Although motels are cheaper than hotels, you may want to spend the extra money and stay at a hotel in certain situations, like:

  • When you are looking for property amenities and a comfortable vacation, hotels may feature more luxurious accommodations, fast WiFi, room service, a fitness center, a spa, 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. 

  • Convenience is often important, and hotels are typically located in desirable areas, such as near popular attractions.

  • Business travelers attending a conference may prefer a hotel’s amenities, like room service or a sit-down restaurant so that they can have a hassle-free schedule. 

Cost of a hotel vs motel vs inn

The average motel typically costs less than $100 per night. It mostly depends on location and demand. Hotel costs vary widely and are based on factors such as brand name, amenities, location, and demand. Hotels will mostly cost more than $100 per night, with an average cost of around $180 per night. The nightly rate at an inn will fall somewhere in between the two. Inns will almost always be more expensive than motels and rarely cost as much as hotels. Although there are boutique inns and luxury bed & breakfasts in busy tourist destinations that offer more amenities and services, and therefore may cost just as much as a hotel.

Differences between hotels and motels

Let’s take a closer look at the key differences between hotels and motels — from the size and layout of the properties to the types of amenities offered, levels of service, and overall cost. While both provide accommodation for travelers, they often cater to different needs, budgets, and travel styles.

Hotels

Motels

Size

Expansive buildings with hundreds of rooms across multiple floors

One or two floors that open to a parking lot or central courtyard

Common areas

Comfortable lobby area with couches or chairs, and possibly a bar, restaurant, terrace, and pool

Perhaps a pool, but rarely a common area for lounging

Property amenities

Restaurant and bar facilities, conference rooms and public spaces, fitness center, spa

Breakfast items, laundry machines, vending machines

Room amenities

Room service, mini fridge, safe, toiletries, hair dryer, WiFi

Basic toiletries, bedding, towels, WiFi

Cost

Typically more than $100/night

Typically less than $100/night

What are the most popular hotel and motel brands?

If you're looking for a reliable place to stay, choosing a well-known hotel or motel brand can offer consistency, comfort, and peace of mind. From budget-friendly chains to full-service hotels, these are some of the most popular names travelers trust across the US and beyond.

Popular hotel brands

  • Marriott International (including Sheraton, Courtyard, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis)

  • Hilton Worldwide (including Hampton by Hilton, DoubleTree, Hilton Hotels & Resorts)

  • InterContinental Hotels Group, or IHG (including Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton)

  • Hyatt Hotels (including Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency)

Popular motel brands

  • Motel 6

  • Super 8 (by Wyndham)

  • Days Inn (by Wyndham)

  • Econo Lodge (by Choice Hotels)

  • Rodeway Inn (by Choice Hotels)

  • Red Roof Inn

  • Travelodge (by Wyndham)

  • Howard Johnson (by Wyndham)

A well-made bed in a hotel room, flanked by nightstands with table lamps and a window to the right.

FAQ about hotels vs motels vs inns

Hotels and motels serve different purposes and appeal to different travelers based on their locations and what they offer. For example, hotels have more amenities, but they are going to be more expensive. Motels, while less pricey, tend to be located near highways or generally outside of town or downtown areas.

An inn is neither a hotel nor a motel. Inns are typically independently owned and designed to be cozy and comfortable, sometimes resembling a home or located in a historic building. Motels are usually part of a large brand and offer no-frills lodging designed for convenience. Hotels often have hundreds of rooms across multiple floors and offer more services and amenities than inns and motels.

Location and amenities are two of the biggest differences. Motels are often located along highways or just off an exit, while inns are usually located in rural settings or within a community. Inns are decorated more intimately, with rooms oftentimes having different characteristics, while rooms in a motel have a standard layout and decor.

Inns are typically privately or family-owned, whereas hotels are often owned by larger corporations. Hotels will have many more rooms available than inns, and therefore more vacancies for last-minute bookers. Decor is also different, with inns typically feeling more homey and hotels designed with a modern look.

Final thoughts: Differences among accommodation types

As you explore accommodation options for your next trip, keep in mind the distinct differences between hotels, motels, and inns. Each type of lodging offers a unique experience tailored to varying travel styles and needs. Your ideal choice will ultimately hinge on your destination, budget, and personal preferences for amenities and services. By considering these factors, you can confidently select the perfect home away from home for your trip.

Skyscanner can help you find the best flight, hotel, and car rental deals for your next trip.