Motels: Motels were originally called “motor hotels,” targeted toward family and business travelers who were traveling by car. Motels usually offer a basic level of accommodation and simple amenities, as they are designed to meet the needs of people who might only be staying one or two nights.

Motels have fewer amenities than hotels do (or often none at all), and they also tend to be located in rural areas, where the cost of living is more affordable. Motels are also cheaper because they don't require as many employees as hotels.

Compared to a motel and hotel, inns are often decorated by the owners and have a more homey feel than brand-name chains. The cost of staying at an inn usually falls between a motel and hotel. Inns will almost always be more expensive than a motel and rarely cost as much a hotel.

Motels are a kind of hotel. The word motel (from a blend of motor and hotel) typically implies a roadside hotel in which the doors of the rooms can be entered from outside. In contrast, hotel rooms are typically entered from inside the building. Motels are often less expensive and have fewer accommodations than hotels.