Whats the difference between a hotel and a motel?

Question

Whats the difference between a hotel and a motel?

Answer 1

The origin of the word "motel" was "motor hotel." Therefore, most motels have parking near each room and each room has an outside entrance either from a parking lot or from a common exterior hallway.

Most hotels have entrances from interior hallways, are apt to have more floors and might not have nearby parking. Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference, though.

Answer 2

Hotels go up motels don't.  That was the original difference.  Motels were  up to 3 stories outward facing entrance.  IE they faced the parking lot.

Hotels generally are of the square or rectangular design where the rooms entraces face inward.

Answer 3

Quality of room & service. Hotels usually offer nice rooms or suites, room service, restaurant, etc. Motels usually offer just a basic room for a night and little else.