What;s the difference between motels, hotels & beds & breakfasts

Here’s a question that was recently delivered to the Travel Professor’s electronic mailbox:

“What’s the difference between a motel, hotel and a bed & breakfast?”

I usually define a motel, which is a derivative of motor inn, lodge, or court, as an establishment that provides lodging for motorists in rooms usually having direct access to an open parking area. You park in front of your room and have access via this external door.

This motor lodge concept is quite common among the budget to mid range priced properties. These are frequently limited service facilities that provide lodging but very few other guest amenities. Basically they provide a place to stay; in room coffee makers, microwaves, refrigerators and other features are not part of the motel (motor inn) concept.

But budget conscious traveler can take heart as there is a changing trend among many the limited service branded motor inns. They are bulking up their services to meet the needs and demands of the traveling public. I’m seeing more in room coffee pots, mini refrigerators, cable TV and wireless internet access being added as complimentary guest amenities.

The budget hotel segment is bulking up on services, unlike MLB & steroids.

In my next post I will attempt to differentiate between the motel & the hotel. After that I’ll discuss & define “beds & breakfasts”.