Hotels exist for centuries. They are a place where (usually, a large number of) tourists can enjoy their stay. The buildings can also be considered as architectural marvels with a number of lobbies and hallways that connect the rooms. Hotels can have hundreds of employees tasked with keeping the operability up and running. They are often equipped with other features like room service, gyms or pools.
Motels, on the other hand, are a bit different. Let’s start with the name. The first part of the word refers to motor or motorist, while the second part is the (h)otel part. Motels became more popular in the 1920s when the newly-paved highways meant that drivers might be travelling long distances and be in need of accommodations. The first types of buildings that were built along roadways had only the most necessary things for a traveller: a meal, a place to sleep and a place to park the car. Motels were not intended to accommodate hundreds of guests, so they are small in size and most suitable for short stay. Motels can often be found in remote areas and they should be cheaper than a night at a hotel.
If we take a look at all the Hollywood movies and other crime fiction, we might get the feeling that motels are generally unkempt, spooky and a perfect place for illegal activities. Hotels, even though they can be dirty and unpleasant, tend to be looked upon more favourably.
In reality, your safety greatly depends on the place where you are, and not in what kind of room are you staying. So, if you are traveling in an unknown location, always lock your door regardless if you are staying in a hotel or motel, and remain alert walking to and from your car.
