Motel vs. Inn: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 12, 2023
A motel is a roadside hotel designed for travelers with motor vehicles, often with parking spaces near rooms. An inn is a smaller lodging establishment that may offer additional services like meals and entertainment.
Key Differences
A motel, short for "motor hotel," is specifically designed to cater to travelers who are driving. These establishments are typically located near highways or major roads and feature exterior entrances to rooms, often facing a parking lot. An inn, on the other hand, is a traditional lodging establishment that can be situated in various locations, including countryside and urban settings. Inns are generally smaller and may offer amenities like a restaurant, pub, or meeting rooms.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
The term "motel" is largely an American invention and is most commonly used in the United States. It gained prominence in the mid-20th century with the rise of car travel. Inns have a longer history and are more globally recognized, tracing back to medieval Europe where they offered shelter to weary travelers and their horses. While both serve as lodging facilities, their cultural and historical contexts are quite different.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
From a grammatical standpoint, both "motel" and "inn" function as nouns. They can be modified by adjectives to describe their qualities, such as a "cozy inn" or a "budget motel." Neither term has a commonly used verb form, though they can be used adjectivally in phrases like "motel room" or "innkeeper."
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
In terms of architecture and design, motels often have a utilitarian layout with straightforward room configurations aimed at providing basic overnight accommodation. Inns, however, can have a more varied and often charming architectural style, which might include unique room layouts, gardens, or communal areas for socializing. Both offer lodging but provide different experiences, often at different price points.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Comparison Chart
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Amenities
Basic, focused on overnight stay
May include meals, pubs, and entertainment
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Architecture
Utilitarian, often with exterior room entrances
Varied, often with communal areas
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Motel and Inn Definitions
Motel
A roadside hotel for travelers with automobiles.
We stopped at a motel just off the interstate.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
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Inn
A small hotel offering lodging and sometimes meals.
The inn provided a cozy bed and breakfast experience.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
Motel
A facility with exterior room entrances.
The motel allowed easy access to our car.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Inn
A traditional establishment for travelers.
The inn had been operating for centuries.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Motel
A short-term lodging option primarily in the U.S.
We couldn't find a motel in Europe; they're mainly an American thing.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Inn
An establishment providing various amenities.
The inn offered spa services and guided tours.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
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Motel
A simple, budget-friendly accommodation option.
The motel was affordable but lacked amenities.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 19, 2023
Inn
A venue that may include a restaurant or pub.
We enjoyed a nice dinner at the inn's restaurant.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 19, 2023
Motel
A lodging establishment with parking spaces near rooms.
The motel had convenient parking right outside our door.
Janet White
Sep 19, 2023
Motel
An establishment that provides lodging for motorists in rooms usually having direct access to an open parking area. Also called motor lodge.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Motel
A type of hotel or lodging establishment, often located near a major highway, which typically features a series of rooms the entrances of which are immediately adjacent to a parking lot to facilitate convenient access to automobiles parked there.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
Chiefly British Formerly, a residence hall for students, especially law students, in London.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Motel
A low-cost short-stay hotel, often with hourly rates rather than daily rates, and notorious for permitting illicit sexual activities; love hotel.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
One of the colleges (societies or buildings) in London, for students of the law barristers.
The Inns of Court
The Inns of Chancery
Serjeants’ Inns
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
(obsolete) A place of shelter; hence, dwelling; habitation; residence; abode.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
A place of shelter; hence, dwelling; habitation; residence; abode.
Therefore with me ye may take up your innFor this same night.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
A house for the lodging and entertainment of travelers or wayfarers; a tavern; a public house; a hotel.
The miserable fare and miserable lodgment of a provincial inn.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
The town residence of a nobleman or distinguished person; as, Leicester Inn.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
One of the colleges (societies or buildings) in London, for students of the law barristers; as, the Inns of Court; the Inns of Chancery; Serjeants' Inns.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
To house; to lodge.
When he had brought them into his cityAnd inned them, everich at his degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Inn
A place with communal areas for socializing.
The inn had a lovely garden and lounge area.
Sara Rehman
Sep 19, 2023
FAQs
What is an Inn?
An inn is a smaller lodging establishment that may offer additional services like meals.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
What is the history of Inns?
Inns date back to medieval Europe and have a long history of providing lodging to travelers.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
How do Motel and Inn differ?
Motels are roadside and car-oriented, while inns offer a broader range of amenities and can be located anywhere.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Is 'Motel' an American term?
Yes, the term "motel" originated in the United States.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Do Motels have exterior room entrances?
Typically, yes. Most motels have rooms that open directly to the parking area.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Are Motels cheaper than Inns?
Generally, motels are budget-friendly, whereas inns may vary widely in price.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Are Inns family-friendly?
Many inns cater to families and offer a more home-like environment.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
What amenities do Motels offer?
Motels generally offer basic amenities like beds, bathrooms, and sometimes a small kitchenette.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
What is a Motel?
A motel is a roadside hotel designed for travelers with motor vehicles.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 12, 2023
Do Motels offer long-term stay options?
Some motels offer weekly rates, but they are generally designed for short-term stays.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
What amenities do Inns offer?
Inns often offer a range of amenities including meals, communal areas, and sometimes even entertainment.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
Do Inns have historical significance?
Many inns are historic buildings and can offer a unique lodging experience.
Janet White
Nov 12, 2023
Do Inns offer meals?
Many inns offer meals and may have an on-site restaurant or pub.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 12, 2023
Can you find Motels outside the U.S.?
Motels are predominantly an American concept, but some do exist in other countries.
Sara Rehman
Nov 12, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
