What is the difference between a hotel and a motel?

A motel is a "Motor Hotel," at least, originally.

Basically, a motel is one you drive to, and which generally has parking, often in front of the room (but not always). Hotels often have no parking, or are multi-level (more than 2 floors), so you cannot park near your room, even if there is parking.

Hotels tend to be fancier and more expensive (although I've stayed in some pretty awful exceptions!), and tend to be in more urban areas. Motels are often to be found in a "motel strip" at the edges of towns.

They're spelled differently and you are guaranteed a car-park with a Motel.

hotels have a hallway.