The Differences Between Motels, Inns And Cottages

The type of property you choose will have a significant impact on your investment. Look for a location with desirable amenities, but be sure to consider the costs of purchase and rental.

Footbridge Beach Motel & Cotteges rentals offer more privacy and space than hotels. This makes them a great option for families.

Overnight Stay Rooms

While the terms motel, hotel and inn are often used interchangeably, there are some key distinctions between these types of overnight accommodations. Understanding the differences can help travelers make the best decision for their unique travel needs and preferences.

Motels were originally designed to cater to motorists seeking convenient overnight accommodations during road trips. They typically feature rooms grouped together around a parking lot, making them a great choice for families and budget-conscious travelers looking to save on lodging costs during a road trip.

Many hotels offer a variety of amenities that can be enjoyed by guests during their stay, including restaurants and lounges. Rooms at hotels can vary in size and feature to suit individual needs, but all include a bed, private bathroom and television. Some hotel rooms also come with a kitchenette or dining area. Hotel guests can enjoy a variety of food and beverage options, ranging from breakfast to gourmet meals. The difference in amenities between a motel and hotel can be a big factor when selecting the right accommodations for your trip.

Private Cottages

Cottages are great for couples and small families looking to relax in nature on their vacation. They are often a bit more rustic than hotel rooms but feature modern creature comforts and amenities like full kitchens, living spaces and outdoor entertainment areas. They also have unique details and features that add to the charm of your stay.

For example, at one beach resort in Massachusetts, you’ll find 46 nautically themed cottages tucked around a village green right off the beach that are perfect for couples or families. The property is a favorite for COVID-19 travelers and offers direct, walk-on beach access—important now that some beaches have limited or restricted parking options. Plus, guests can book all the property’s rooms and cottages in a single booking using its wizard. This simplifies travel planning and can save you money on your vacation. You’ll also enjoy a sense of privacy and serenity that hotel rooms can’t match.

Cabins

While many people assume that a motel is a subcategory of a hotel, the two are very different. Hotels are usually larger in scale and offer a wider range of facilities, while motels tend to be smaller and focus on convenience for travelers.

A motel is a roadside hotel designed for motorists, usually with rooms that are accessible directly from the car parking area rather than through a central lobby. It is also a type of accommodation that is designed for short stays, often one night before continuing on a trip.

The term is a portmanteau of the words motor and hotel, and it entered dictionaries after World War II. The first motel is thought to be the Milestone Mo-Tel in San Luis Obispo, California, which opened its doors in 1925. Many motels are privately owned and run rather than being part of a chain. Some are found on old two-lane highways that have been bypassed by new routes, and are often seen as seedy places for drug activity and street prostitution.

Condos

Condo hotels have the potential to be very profitable, and many do well in tourist-rich areas. But, the market can also be restrictive, and mortgage financing isn't always available. Every lender has its own definition and perspective, so one company may be willing to offer a mortgage on a certain condominium hotel while another will not.

The operating companies of the condo hotels typically control, manage and assess all the building amenities. This includes the hallways, elevators, lobby and parking garage. The hotel brand also offers professional management of the hotel rooms and the condos. The hotel owner may keep the rental revenue from those rentals, or it may be a part of the hotel fees that are collected from the guests.

The operating companies often restrict owner use to 180 days per year. They also limit owner use to specific times of the year, and some have length of stay restrictions. Those restrictions reduce the financial return to owners, especially in low-demand times when guests aren't likely to visit.