Motel vs. Inn: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || 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.
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.
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."
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.
Comparison Chart
Primary Audience
Motor vehicle travelers
General travelers
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Location
Usually near highways
Various, including rural and urban settings
Amenities
Basic, focused on overnight stay
May include meals, pubs, and entertainment
Architecture
Utilitarian, often with exterior room entrances
Varied, often with communal areas
Grammatical Role
Noun
Noun
Motel and Inn Definitions
Motel
A roadside hotel for travelers with automobiles.
We stopped at a motel just off the interstate.
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Inn
A small hotel offering lodging and sometimes meals.
The inn provided a cozy bed and breakfast experience.
Motel
A facility with exterior room entrances.
The motel allowed easy access to our car.
Inn
A traditional establishment for travelers.
The inn had been operating for centuries.
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.
Inn
An establishment providing various amenities.
The inn offered spa services and guided tours.
Motel
A simple, budget-friendly accommodation option.
The motel was affordable but lacked amenities.
Inn
A venue that may include a restaurant or pub.
We enjoyed a nice dinner at the inn's restaurant.
Motel
A lodging establishment with parking spaces near rooms.
The motel had convenient parking right outside our door.
Inn
A public lodging house serving food and drink to travelers; a hotel.
Motel
An establishment that provides lodging for motorists in rooms usually having direct access to an open parking area. Also called motor lodge.
Inn
A tavern or restaurant.
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.
Inn
Chiefly British Formerly, a residence hall for students, especially law students, in London.
Motel
A low-cost short-stay hotel, often with hourly rates rather than daily rates, and notorious for permitting illicit sexual activities; love hotel.
Inn
Any establishment where travellers can procure lodging, food, and drink.
Motel
To stay in a motel or motels.
Inn
A tavern.
Motel
A motor hotel
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
Inn
The town residence of a nobleman or distinguished person.
Leicester Inn
Inn
(obsolete) A place of shelter; hence, dwelling; habitation; residence; abode.
Inn
To house; to lodge.
Inn
To take lodging; to lodge.
Inn
A place of shelter; hence, dwelling; habitation; residence; abode.
Therefore with me ye may take up your innFor this same night.
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.
Inn
The town residence of a nobleman or distinguished person; as, Leicester Inn.
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.
Inn
To take lodging; to lodge.
Inn
To house; to lodge.
When he had brought them into his cityAnd inned them, everich at his degree.
Inn
A hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
Inn
A place with communal areas for socializing.
The inn had a lovely garden and lounge area.
FAQs
What is an Inn?
An inn is a smaller lodging establishment that may offer additional services like meals.
What is the history of Inns?
Inns date back to medieval Europe and have a long history of providing lodging to travelers.
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.
Is 'Motel' an American term?
Yes, the term "motel" originated in the United States.
Do Motels have exterior room entrances?
Typically, yes. Most motels have rooms that open directly to the parking area.
Are Motels cheaper than Inns?
Generally, motels are budget-friendly, whereas inns may vary widely in price.
Are Inns family-friendly?
Many inns cater to families and offer a more home-like environment.
What amenities do Motels offer?
Motels generally offer basic amenities like beds, bathrooms, and sometimes a small kitchenette.
What is a Motel?
A motel is a roadside hotel designed for travelers with motor vehicles.
Do Motels offer long-term stay options?
Some motels offer weekly rates, but they are generally designed for short-term stays.
What amenities do Inns offer?
Inns often offer a range of amenities including meals, communal areas, and sometimes even entertainment.
Do Inns have historical significance?
Many inns are historic buildings and can offer a unique lodging experience.
Do Inns offer meals?
Many inns offer meals and may have an on-site restaurant or pub.
Can you find Motels outside the U.S.?
Motels are predominantly an American concept, but some do exist in other countries.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
