motels vs hotels

habib89

Diamond Member
Jan 17, 2001
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there are the obvious differences.. ie, motels have a higher population of cockroaches... i usually distinguish them because hotels are one building where you walk out of a room and you're in a hallway, not outside.. and motels, when you walk out of the room, you're outside...

what do you think??
 

CurtCold

Golden Member
Aug 15, 2002
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Whatever is cheaper. My experience motels have been crappier or seem to be. Be very very very wary of any hotels in the Memphis area that are located next to the Airport. Gawd all of them I've stayed in have been crap holes.

As long as I have a place to sleep though, I could care less
 

Heisenberg

Lifer
Dec 21, 2001
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Hotel's were around first. The term motel came into use after people starting traveling in cars in large numbers. "Motor hotels" were build specifically for this - the name was eventually shorted to motel. Generally, motels don't offer the amenities and aren't as fancy as hotels, similar to what you said about outside versus inside walkways.
 

wnied

Diamond Member
Oct 10, 1999
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The best place away from home I've ever stayed in, was a Motel in Sand Tee South Carolina. Feather soft beds, ice cold air conditioning, cable tv and the place was immaculate. Second best was only so because it didnt have cable tv. But it too was a Motel. So dont go knocking motels in general because you chose poorly and stayed at some Flea-bit flophouse.

~wnied~
 

vegetation

Diamond Member
Feb 21, 2001
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I've stayed in some "hotels" that were real hell-holes. Some motels I've been in were actually pretty good; nice and roomy, plus you can't beat parking right next to your room.
 

dugweb

Diamond Member
Oct 17, 2002
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i always thought the difference was that hotels were teh skyscrapers and motels were the dinky 2 storie establishments. :confused:
 

ElFenix

Elite Member
Super Moderator
Mar 20, 2000
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some motels are nice, some hotels are shiite. motels are more toward people who will be there one night though
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
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Originally posted by: habib89
there are the obvious differences.. ie, motels have a higher population of cockroaches... i usually distinguish them because hotels are one building where you walk out of a room and you're in a hallway, not outside.. and motels, when you walk out of the room, you're outside...

what do you think??

Defination wise I agree w/ you; as for what's beter, I use price first, then narrow down my choices by what "amenities" [sp?] the hotel/motel has. Im my experience, usually the place w/ the most amenities tend to be a better place to stay, hope this helps :)
 

Sid59

Lifer
Sep 2, 2002
11,879
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reminds me .. anyone getting a nice hotel or motel for the upcoming Valentines?

waiting on some arrangements to Marriot and Park 55 Hotel in downtown San Francisco.
 

BooneRebel

Platinum Member
Mar 22, 2001
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The difference is defined above. Motels rooms have individual doors that open to the parking lot, you drive up and walk right in. Hotels have lobbies, etc., and you generally walk through the main entrance (or a secondary entrance) before gaining access to the hallway to get to your room. I've seen some pretty trashy hotels and some decent motels, though. In the past few years I think Holiday Inn has gone downhill.
 

jjones

Lifer
Oct 9, 2001
15,424
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if I want to stay someplace cheap and convenient while on the road overnight and need a few hours sleep, it's usually a motel. If I want to stay someplace that I'll enjoy where I'm staying whether it one night or many, it's a luxury hotel without a doubt. Really depends on the use you have in mind. If it's just a few hours of sleep I need, I don't care if it's Motel 6. If it's a leisurely and enjoyable stay I desire, you won't find me in a motel, although you may find me in a cabaña on the beach.
 

gotsmack

Diamond Member
Mar 4, 2001
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I always thought Hotels were places with a restaurant om premisis. and motels were ones without.
 

BooneRebel

Platinum Member
Mar 22, 2001
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Nope. Motel=motor hotel

i.e., drive up convenience. I've seen a few that had restaraunts, and I've stayed in hotels that didn't.
 

deftron

Lifer
Nov 17, 2000
10,868
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I worked in a motel and always thought it was funny when people
brought all their stuff into the lobby when they checked in..
Then, I said, "Just drive around and you can park in front of your room"
So they had to load everything back up.

You'd think they've never stayed in a motel before.

Some people still tried to come through the lobby even after I told them how to
get to their rooms.