Whether you are planning a cross-country road trip, visiting relatives for a weekend, or heading to a vacation spot, you may need a motel.

The first thing you may wonder is: what is the difference between a hotel and a motel?

The most obvious difference is in the building itself and the setup of the rooms. In a hotel, you enter a building with a lobby and then stay inside to go to your room.

In a motel, there will be a front desk for checking in, asking questions, and paying your bill, but the doors to the rooms are on the outside of the structure, and you enter directly from the street or parking lot.

While this can be more convenient, as you can often park your car right by your room, this can also pose some security issues you may want to keep in mind. Be sure your door locks properly and preferably has a chain. Ask for a room closer to the front desk. It would help if you also considered how well-lit the building is outside.

For many people, the main reasons they choose a motel are convenience and cost.

While you will find hotels in downtown areas and near tourist attractions, you will most likely find motels near highways or main thoroughfares. This means that a hotel may be more convenient if you are looking for somewhere to stay for a few days while exploring a city. But a motel may be the right choice if you are looking for a place to sleep overnight while making a long drive.

One place where you are more likely to find motels than hotels is beach towns, where tall, high-occupancy buildings are rare and one-to-two-story motels are more common.

For many people, “cheap” is the operative word when looking for a motel. Motels typically have fewer amenities and a lower price tag than hotels.

While you are unlikely to find the restaurants, business centers, and gyms typical to many hotels at motels, that doesn’t mean motels are without amenities. Some motels do have outdoor pools, for example. You may also find that motels are more likely to be pet friendly than hotels – and the direct access to the outside makes it easier to walk your dog. You’ll want to ask specifically about other essential things like internet access and food options.

You may find yourself in a situation where you need an extended stay away from home. While motels may come to mind more quickly for single-night visits when you are in transit from one
place to another, they can also provide a cheaper and simpler option when you need a more extended option. Some will have special weekly or monthly rates. Many also have a kitchenette to make your stay more convenient. Just be sure to ask about any special needs you have or room requirements before making your booking.

BBB also has information on hotels near you and tips for booking your next vacation.