If you’re planning a trip and trying to figure out where to stay, you’ve probably noticed that “hotel,” “motel,” and “inn” get tossed around like they mean the same thing. They don’t. Each one offers a different experience, and knowing what sets them apart can save you money, frustration, or both.
This is especially worth understanding if you’re planning a road trip through Utah. Along stretches of I-70 and the highways near Utah’s national parks, you’ll see all three types of lodging — and the right pick depends on what you need from your stay.
What is a Hotel?
Hotels are the most familiar type of lodging. They’re typically larger, multi-story buildings with interior hallways, a staffed front desk, and a broad range of amenities. Depending on the property, you might find a restaurant, pool, fitness center, business center, conference rooms, room service, and concierge staff.
Hotels are most commonly found in urban areas, near airports, and in popular tourist destinations. They cater to a wide range of travelers — business guests, families on vacation, and anyone who wants a full-service experience. Pricing varies widely, from budget chains around $100 a night to luxury properties well above $500.
The trade-off is that hotels tend to cost more and can feel impersonal, especially at large chain properties. You’re paying for the full package of services and amenities, whether you use them or not.
What is a Motel?
The word “motel” comes from combining “motor” and “hotel,” and that origin tells you a lot about what they’re built for. Motels were designed for road travelers who need a clean, affordable place to sleep before getting back on the highway.
The classic motel layout is one or two stories with rooms that open directly to the parking lot — no lobby, no hallways, no elevator. You pull up, grab your bag, and walk straight into your room. That simplicity is the whole point.
Motels are typically found along highways and on the outskirts of towns rather than in city centers. They peaked in popularity during the 1950s and 60s as America’s interstate system expanded, and while budget hotel chains have absorbed some of that market, motels are still common along major driving routes — including I-70 through Utah.
Amenities are basic: a bed, a bathroom, a TV, maybe Wi-Fi, and free parking. Some offer a simple continental breakfast or a small pool. Pricing is usually under $100 a night, making motels the most budget-friendly option for a quick overnight stop.
The trade-off is fewer services, less security (exterior room entrances mean less controlled access), and a more bare-bones experience overall.
What Is an Inn?
Inns are the oldest form of traveler lodging, predating both hotels and motels by centuries. Today, an inn is generally a smaller property (often independently or family-owned) that offers a more personal, welcoming experience than a large hotel without the bare-bones feel of a motel.
Inns typically have fewer rooms, which means a quieter stay and more attentive service. Many include perks like a complimentary breakfast, and they’re often located in scenic areas, small towns, or along travel corridors rather than in dense urban centers. The atmosphere tends to be warmer and more community-oriented than what you’d find at a big chain property.
Pricing for inns generally falls between motels and mid-range hotels — more affordable than a full-service hotel, but with noticeably more comfort and amenities than a motel. Many inns offer the kinds of features travelers use daily (pool, breakfast, Wi-Fi, comfortable rooms) without the overhead of services most guests never use (concierge, room service, conference facilities).
The trade-off is that inns are smaller, so availability can be limited during peak travel seasons, and they may not offer 24-hour staffing or the extensive facilities of a large hotel.
How Hotels, Motels, and Inns Compare
| Hotel | Motel | Inn | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Urban centers, airports, tourist areas | Highways, rural areas, town outskirts | Small towns, scenic areas, travel corridors |
| Building Layout | Multi-story, interior hallways, lobby | 1–2 stories, exterior doors to parking lot | Smaller building, may have interior or exterior access |
| Room Access | Through lobby and interior corridors | Directly from parking lot | Varies — often through a small lobby or common area |
| Amenities | Full-service: restaurant, gym, pool, room service, concierge | Basic: bed, bathroom, TV, free parking | Mid-range: comfortable rooms, breakfast, pool, Wi-Fi |
| Pricing | $100–$500+ per night | Under $100 per night | $80–$200 per night |
| Service Style | Professional, full-staff | Minimal staff, self-service | Personal, attentive, often owner-operated |
| Best For | Extended stays, business travel, vacations where amenities matter | Quick overnight stops on road trips | Travelers who want comfort and value without the big-hotel price tag |
Which One Is Right for Your Trip?
The best choice depends on what your trip actually looks like.
If you’re driving through and just need a clean room for the night before getting back on the road at dawn, a motel gets the job done at the lowest price. You won’t get much beyond the basics, but if all you need is a bed and a shower, that’s fine.
If you’re staying in a city for several days, attending a conference, or want access to dining, a spa, or a fitness center on-site, a hotel makes sense. You’ll pay more, but you’re getting the full package of services.
If you’re on a road trip but want more than a bare-minimum overnight — say you’re exploring Utah’s national parks and want a comfortable home base with breakfast, a pool, and a good night’s sleep before an early morning hike — an inn hits the sweet spot. You get real comfort and personal service at a price that won’t eat into your travel budget.
For families, an inn is often the most practical choice. You get the amenities that actually matter for a family trip (breakfast, pool, comfortable rooms, parking) without paying for the extras you won’t use. And a smaller, quieter property means a more relaxed environment for everyone.
First Choice Inn at the Swell: The Best of All Three
At First Choice Inn at the Swell, we like to think we’ve taken the best elements of each lodging type and combined them into one stay.
Like a hotel, we offer real amenities: a heated indoor pool and whirlpool, hot breakfast every morning, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable rooms with blackout shades, quality bedding, a mini-fridge, and a microwave. Like a motel, we’re right off I-70 in Green River, Utah — easy to find, easy to access, with plenty of free parking. And like the best inns, we’re independently operated with a focus on friendly, personal service and a welcoming atmosphere.
Whether you’re here for a night on your way through or using Green River as your base camp for Goblin Valley, Canyonlands, Arches, or Capitol Reef, we’re set up to make your stay comfortable, convenient, and affordable.
Book your stay at First Choice Inn at the Swell and see the difference for yourself.
Hotel vs. Motel vs. Inn: FAQ
Is an inn the same as a hotel? Not quite. Inns are generally smaller, independently owned properties with fewer rooms and a more personal atmosphere. Hotels are larger, often chain-operated, and offer a wider range of services and amenities. Inns tend to cost less than hotels while still providing comfortable rooms and useful perks like breakfast.
Are motels safe to stay in?
Safety varies by property, not by category. That said, motels typically have exterior room entrances (doors that open to the parking lot rather than an interior hallway), which means less controlled access than a hotel or inn with a lobby and interior corridors. Reading recent reviews and checking the property’s condition before booking is always a good idea.
Why are motels cheaper than hotels?
Motels keep costs low by offering fewer services — no restaurant, no room service, no concierge, minimal staffing. The buildings are also simpler and less expensive to maintain. You’re paying for a clean room and a place to park, and the price reflects that focused offering.
What type of lodging is best for a Utah road trip?
It depends on your style. If you’re driving long stretches and just need a place to crash, a motel works. But if you want to actually enjoy your evenings, wake up to breakfast, and have a pool to unwind in after a day of hiking, an inn gives you a much better experience without a big price jump. Green River is a popular stopping point between Utah’s national parks, and an inn here gives you a comfortable base for exploring the region.
What’s the difference between an inn and a bed and breakfast?
They’re similar in size and atmosphere, but bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) are often converted private homes with a more intimate, residential feel. Inns are purpose-built lodging properties — still smaller and more personal than hotels, but designed from the ground up to accommodate travelers. Inns may also offer more amenities than a typical B&B, like a pool or on-site parking.