The main difference between a hotel and a motel lies in their design, purpose, and location. Hotels are typically larger, multi-story buildings located in city centers or tourist areas, offering a range of amenities like room service, restaurants, gyms, and concierge services. Motels, short for “motor hotels,” are usually found along highways and are designed for motorists, featuring easy parking access directly outside the rooms. Motels are generally more budget-friendly and offer fewer services, catering mostly to short-term stays.