motel
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motel
A hotel that is specifically geared toward the needs of drivers and is usually located on major roads. The rooms are often accessible directly from the parking lot.
Auf unserer langen Reise durch die USA haben wir in verschiedenen Motels übernachtet.
On our long trip through the USA, we stayed overnight in various motels.
The word 'Motel' is a portmanteau from English that is also used in German. It is made up of 'Motor' and 'Hotel' and therefore perfectly describes its function as accommodation for drivers.
Der Name „Motel“ verrät schon, dass es für Reisende mit dem Auto gedacht ist.
The name 'Motel' already tells you that it is intended for travelers by car.
Pay attention to the difference with the preposition 'in': movement toward a motel is expressed with the accusative, while staying there is described with the dative.
Wir checken heute Abend in einem Motel an der Autobahn ein.
We're checking into a motel by the highway this evening.
'Motel' is often used in connection with travel and roads. Typical phrases are 'in einem Motel übernachten' (to stay overnight in a motel), 'ein Motel an der Autobahn' (a motel by the highway), or 'ein Zimmer in einem Motel nehmen' (to take a room in a motel).
Für die Durchreise haben wir ein Zimmer in einem Motel direkt an der Landstraße gebucht.
For the transit stop, we booked a room in a motel right on the country road.
hotel
A Hotel is generally a commercial accommodation for travelers and often offers additional services. A Motel is a particular type of hotel for drivers, usually located on a major road and often providing direct access from the parking lot. On a road trip, Motel may therefore be the more precise term.
Für unsere Autoreise buchen wir an der Autobahn ein Motel mit einem Parkplatz direkt vor dem Zimmer.
For our road trip, we are booking a motel on the highway with a parking space directly in front of the room.
Für unseren Urlaub in der Innenstadt buchen wir ein Hotel mit Frühstück und Rezeption.
For our vacation in the city center, we are booking a hotel with breakfast and a reception desk.
