What is the difference between a motel and a hotel?

alt-662bb23b9ee05

While both motels and hotels provide rooms for staying overnight, there are some differences between them. Motel rooms are usually accessed from the outside of the building or from a parking lot (the word motel is a blend of motor and hotel), whereas hotel rooms are usually accessed from the inside of the hotel (such as from a hallway). Motels tend to be smaller than hotels. Hotels also often have more amenities such as a restaurant and room service or a gift shop.