You've probably had a time in your life when you've had to choose between staying at a hotel or a motel. Although many people believe that hotels are always the better option, it sometimes makes sense to stay at a motel instead.

What's the difference?

The main difference between a hotel and a motel is that a hotel generally has rooms that are only accessible once you enter the main building. Motels, however, allow you to have direct access to your room from the parking lot or other outdoor public spaces.

Motels are generally found close to major roads and highways, as well as in rural settings. Hotels are more common in cities and close to popular tourist attractions. However, motels are starting to pop up more in urban environments, as they offer guests an affordable alternative.

Affordability

Generally speaking, hotels tend to cost more per night than motels. If you're looking to save some money, you can likely find a nice motel that's not too far from your destination for a fraction of the price you'd pay at a hotel. 

No need for extras

One of the reasons that people choose to stay at hotels is to enjoy the amenities they offer. Whether it's a pool, spa, restaurant, fitness center, or some other extra convenience, it's worth the extra costs if you have a need for these things. However, if you just need a clean and comfortable room for a night or two, a motel will more than suffice. 

While hotels are known for great amenities, that doesn't mean that motels don't have them too. In fact, many of them have things like free parking, ice machines, vending machines, swimming pools etc.

They can be just as nice or even nicer

Just as there are some really nice hotels and some not so great ones, the same can be said about motels. If you do enough searching around, you'll likely find a motel that's even better than some of the hotels in the area.

Security

Since motels have rooms that are accessible from public outdoor areas, they have unfairly gained a reputation as being less safe than hotels. This is definitely not always the case. With things like security cameras and improved door-locking systems, there is not much difference in safety between the two.

You will be much better off staying at a motel in a relatively low-crime area than a hotel in an area that has high crime. Don't let the outside door scare you. If you think about it, many homes and apartments have doors that are accessible from the outside as well.