When asked if they’d choose a hotel or a motel on their next vacation, tourists usually go with the former. Hotels have long been associated with luxury and the provision of many amenities. Depending on how high-end they are, security is also excellent. However, these reasons are not enough to tip the scale in their favor once one understands what motels have to offer.
Motels tend to receive a bad reputation as being perfect hideouts for criminals. It’s true that several publicized events have occurred in motels and as unfortunate as they are, it’s still a poor reason to consider these inns as less than savory. The fact is, they serve as an inexpensive form of accommodation for people unable to afford the much higher cost associated with hotels. Besides, the few amenities which are provided are more than enough to cater to long-term stay.
Unlike hotels, Motels in Cherokee offer both short- and long-term lodging. Even if more luxurious inns are chosen, the cost is still much cheaper than what a hotel would charge for the same duration of stay. Kitchenettes are provided for guests staying long-term as well as other essentials like 24-hour water supply, electricity, television and WiFi. Basically, all the main facilities needed for decent living. Luxury amenities like pools and gyms may or may not be present and if they are, rates are charged usually on a per use basis.
A major difference between hotels and Motel in IA is appearance. Hotels are typically multistoried and rooms open to the interior of the building, i.e., to interior corridors. Mhi in Iowa, on the other hand, open outside which means gaining access to the building is through an exterior door. This feature has its benefits and drawbacks which we’ll discuss in the next paragraph.
Having rooms that open outside means having faster access to the outdoors. There’s no need to go through a lobby. However, it also means less privacy because people will be able to zero in on where guests live. This isn’t a real disadvantage but if a motel is being used to seek privacy, it can be a bother.
The location of hotels and motels is very different. Where hotels are generally situated inside a town or a city, motels are located along highways and outskirts. This means that hotels have faster access to government departments, postal services and public transport systems. Guests seeking long-term stay don’t necessarily need such easy access especially if choosing inns situated on the outskirts of small cities and villages.
As for its association with less than safe neighborhoods, the same can be said of hotels. Any accommodation no matter how basic is sought after as long as security exists. So if a motel is located in a safe neighborhood, it trumps its more expensive counterpart which is situated in a risky locale.
Tips for choosing a motel
• Cleanliness is important and should be the most important factor in a motel. Daily housekeeping service and trash removal are essential as are clean beds, dust-free furniture and mold-free interiors.
• Security in the form of CCTVs should be present. Guards may or may not be present as motels aren’t necessarily gated or walled in. A quick internet search can reveal the crime rate of specific neighborhoods.
• As for amenities, much depends on how many guests want. Internet and phone connectivity, refrigerators, laundry service and kitchenettes should be available especially for guests seeking long-term stay.