motel

moh-tel

nounmA2

motel?roadside accommodation for travelers

Also:inn?small, often independent hotel,short-stay hotel?often implying hourly rates or intimate use

📝 In Action

Necesitamos parar en el primer motel que veamos, estoy muy cansado.

We need to stop at the first motel we see, I am very tired.

El motel tenía estacionamiento privado y era muy discreto.

The motel had private parking and was very discreet.

En muchos países, la palabra 'motel' no significa lo mismo que 'hotel'.

In many countries, the word 'motel' does not mean the same thing as 'hotel'.

Word Connections

Synonyms

hospedaje (lodging)
posada (inn)

Common Collocations

alquilar un motel – to rent a motel
motel de carretera – roadside motel

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Rule

Even though this word ends in 'l', it is masculine. Remember to use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'El motel es caro'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Motel and Hotel

Mistake: "Using 'motel' when you mean a standard, overnight family hotel."

Correction: Use 'hotel' for standard lodging. In many places, 'motel' implies a specific kind of short-stay, private accommodation.

⭐ Usage Tips

Cultural Context is Key

If you are traveling in Latin America and need a regular place to sleep for the night, always ask for an 'hotel' to avoid misunderstandings about the type of stay you are looking for.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: motel

Question 1 of 1

If you are in Mexico City and need a standard place to sleep for a week, which word should you use to avoid confusion?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

hotel(hotel) - noun

hostal(hostel/small hotel) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'motel' always masculine?

Yes, 'motel' is a masculine noun. You always use 'el' or 'un' before it, as in 'El motel es nuevo' (The motel is new).

What is the main difference between 'motel' and 'hotel' in Spanish?

While both offer lodging, 'hotel' is the general term for standard, overnight accommodation. 'Motel,' especially in Latin America, usually refers to a specific type of establishment rented for short, private stays (often by the hour) and is usually not used for family travel.