Making Distinction Between Motel and Hotels
Edmonton is a bustling city with lots of events and festivals, and the choice in Edmonton hotels is immense. There is equally enough number of motels to choose from. With so many options, a traveller to Edmonton is bound to find the right place to stay with ease. Hotels offer the best of both worlds with features like luxurious rooms as well as ample parking facilities.
Defining Motels and Hotels
Motels are a uniquely American concept, as they originated when the highway network was built to link up the cities. In fact, the term "motel€ was derived from "motorist hotel". As more and more people started driving between cities, motels sprung up along these highways to offer stopover along their journey. They have since spread across the North America.
Hotels of course have been in existence for much longer - the word "hotel" originating in the 18th century from a French word meaning a townhouse. It is typically thought of as an establishment that provides lodging, meals and other services for a traveller.
What is the difference between Hotels and Motels?
There are few distinguishing differences between motels and Edmonton hotels, and the key ones are:
Location: Hotels are usually found in urban core or rather inside cities, whereas motels are usually out on the outskirts or alongside highways
Design: The layouts of hotels and motels differ significantly. Hotels are typically large multi-storied complexes, with rooms and other facilities connected inside via common areas. Motels are usually one or two storied buildings that have open walkways, and room are accessed directly from parking lot.
Services: Motels offer limited range of services and facilities. Usually only housekeeping and laundry is offered. Hotels on the other hand offer a wide range of services to its guests like room service, on-site restaurant, spa services apart from the basic housekeeping services.
Duration of stay: Edmonton hotels cater to long and short term guests, while motels are usually for short stays.
Costs: Motels are significantly cheaper than hotels given the differences in their offerings.
Choices galore today
Over the years, the lines differentiating the two have blurred. Motels have stopped being strictly viewed as a layover option as cities expand, and have changed themselves to suit changing requirements. Today there are chain motel establishments that offer many services typically associated with hotels. Hotels too are found at all locations where travellers need an option to stay, whether inside or out of city limits. But the price differential has remained between the two.
In Edmonton, there are a number of options for both hotels and motels. They offers a great combination with great pricing and great services. It might well be the best option for you when you next visit to the exciting city of Edmonton.