motel

[moh-tel]

noun

1. a hotel providing travelers with lodging and free parking facilities, typically a roadside hotel having rooms adjacent to an outside parking area or an urban hotel offering parking within the building.

motel

/ məʊˈtɛl /

noun

1. a roadside hotel for motorists, usually having direct access from each room or chalet to a parking space or garage

Word History and Origins

Origin of motel¹

First recorded in 1920–25; blend of motor and hotel

Word History and Origins

Origin of motel¹

C20: from motor + hotel

Example Sentences

Linda’s situation gets even more dire when water starts to pour through the ceiling of her home, forcing her and her daughter to move into a rundown motel.

From Los Angeles Times

Since its existing motel rooms were already in decent condition, a decision was made to only lightly touch them.

From Los Angeles Times

Among its first buildings were a land office, a beauty parlor, a motel, two restaurants and a feed store — all with Old West facades.

From Los Angeles Times

Since leaving the site, Mr Theodie has spent three nights in a motel in Virginia after someone who saw the removal gave him money to cover it.

From BBC

There was no opposition or discussion, nor did the motel owner, listed as Yang Hua Xi, take a position.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cabin 
• hotel 
• inn 
• lodge 
• resort