Hotels were and are still considered classier holiday lodgings perhaps because the media portrays them as such.
It's true, they do cost more and may feature amenities not offered by motels.
But unlike the past where motels were deemed seedy establishments, modern ones are giving hotels a run for their money.
For travelers, accommodation is the single biggest factor both in terms of money and preparation.
Days are spent finding the perfect digs, facilities and amenities are scrutinized and reviews by other holidayers scanned in detail, all while trying to find a place that fits within budget.
Now, though, more vacationers are putting hotels farther down their list of preferences because it's just not worth wasting half your holiday budget on accommodation.
And since motels are far from the dingy, sleazy places they were several decades ago, travelers are able to enjoy a safe, comfortable stay without breaking the bank.
Differences between motels and hotels Not every hotel boasts spacious grounds, parking facilities, gyms and spas (and motels typically don't).
A fatter wallet will get you the best but most vacationers are on strict budgets.
Besides, are you really going to use the gym? And do you really need a several hundred dollar spa treatment? Motels cater to short- and long-term stays: Where hotels cater to short-term lodging, motels can accommodate travelers for a couple of months at a stretch.
You don't have to go broke even after weeks and you get to enjoy basic (sometimes more luxurious) amenities, a clean environment and easy access to important locales.
Offer excellent value for money: Hotels too give value for money but all those luxury elements (not really necessary) really drive up the cost of stays.
With a motel, you get exactly what you pay for.
You'll hardly find large, immaculately kept gardens, fountains and all the trims hotels are known for but you don't even need them anyway so why waste good money? Basic yet sufficient amenities: When you pay for a hotel, you're shelling out for the host of amenities typically provided.
With a motel, excess is trimmed leaving only basic necessities.
Swimming pools, for instance, are not ordinarily offered though more are beginning to provide a common pool.
Neither are gyms and game rooms.
What you will get, however, is a room with a TV, WiFi, refrigerator, stocked bathroom, AC and heating, breakfast and maybe laundry service.
For many travelers, all this is more than enough to guarantee a comfortable stay since we barely use the amenities we pay for in hotels anyway.
What's unique to most motels is the inclusion of a kitchen or a kitchenette since meals are not typically provided.
This works out perfectly for long-term occupants who'd otherwise rack up a big bill with catered meals.
Motels once suffered a bad rep because of illicit activities carried out by unsavory individuals.
It was only during the turn of the century that they were revamped into modest yet comfy holiday accommodations.
Motel owners paid more heed to who they were renting out rooms, surroundings became more secure and cleanliness to rival that of hotels became the norm.
With more people demanding lodgings at reasonable rates, even if they must forsake once-expected luxuries, it's only a matter of time before motels enjoy their rightful place as one of the top accommodation choices for travelers