Before you book accommodations for your trip, it’s essential to understand the difference between a hotel and motel. Entering dictionaries after World War II, the word motel, coined as a portmanteau contraction of "motor hotel", originates from the Milestone Mo-Tel of San Luis Obispo, California (now called the Motel Inn of San Luis Obispo), which was built in 1925. Where most hotels are buildings with more rooms inside for accommodation, an inn is usually a house owned by the hosts with 3 or more rooms available for … A motel is a hotel designed for motorists and usually has a parking area for motor vehicles. Motel. Hotel vs Motel vs Inn: Pros and Cons of Each & Differences. A hotel has a different appeal from an inn. Plan for the right accommodation for your adventure. You are about to set off on an adventure, which means that you need to plan on where you are going to stay during your travels. Difference between Hotel and Inn. A hotel’s facade is huge compared to an inn. Hotel, motel, Holiday Inn. These days, there are many options for accommodation. By being clear on a hotel vs. motel, you can ensure you make the right choice for your unique budget, needs, and preferences. Hotels, motels and inns offer distinct characteristics.