Roadside charm

12 reasons why motels are not the same as hotels: Read to avoid surprises

Roadside motels are one of America’s most practical travel traditions. Built for drivers, they’re usually more affordable than large hotels and far less formal. But they also operate differently. If you’ve never stayed in one, a little preparation helps. Take a look at 12 tips about what to expect and how to make your stay smoother.

Most U.S. motels start check-in around 3 p.m., and rooms may not be ready earlier, even if the lot looks quiet. If you arrive too early, you may have to wait while housekeeping finishes, because small properties have limited staff and supplies, and many independent motels don’t staff a 24-hour desk.

Many motels set check-out at 10 or 11 a.m. Late check-out may be unavailable because housekeeping turns rooms quickly for the next wave of travelers. Set an alarm, pack the car in stages, and ask politely for more time if needed.

Classic motels are built for drivers: you typically park a few steps from your room door. That makes unloading easy, keeps your car in view, and is great for heavy luggage or coolers. It also means less time walking through long hallways.

Because doors open outdoors, lock up like you would at home. Use the deadbolt, keep curtains closed at night, and don’t leave any valuables visible in the car, even if you are parked right in front. Unlike many city hotels, motels almost always include parking in the room rate.

Expect essentials: bed, private bathroom, TV, A/C or heat, and Wi-Fi. Many motels include a mini-fridge and microwave, but not all, so check the listing photos and amenity list. Some older properties may have slower Wi-Fi or fewer outlets.

Don’t assume extras like elevators, gyms, or room service. If you need something specific, like a hair dryer, iron, accessible room, or crib, call ahead. Small properties vary widely from one owner to the next.

Most U.S. motels are non-smoking now, and breaking that rule can trigger hefty cleaning fees. Even vaping may be treated as smoking depending on the posted policy. The fee can be far higher than the nightly rate because it covers deep cleaning and lost inventory time.

If you need a smoking room, confirm it explicitly at booking. Don’t risk it "just once." If you step outside to smoke, keep the door shut and ash well away from entrances. Keep your confirmation or receipt, as cleaning fees are often listed in writing.

Chains are consistent; independent motels can be excellent or disappointing. Recent reviews matter more than old star ratings, since management and upkeep change. Look for repeated comments about bugs, odors, noisy HVAC, or stained linens.

Before unpacking, do a quick check of the bathroom surfaces and overall smell. If something’s off, ask for a different room immediately. Fixes are easier at check-in than after you’ve settled.

Because rooms open to exterior walkways, security depends on the property. Check that the door latch works, the windows lock, and the area feels well-lit. Also note where your room sits relative to the office: closer can feel safer and quieter.

Park near lights when possible and bring valuables inside. If something feels wrong, trust your instincts: request a room nearer the office, choose an upper floor when available, or move on to another motel. Don’t hesitate to switch.

Many motels provide only the basics: small soap, shampoo, and towels. Items like conditioner, lotion, razors, toothbrushes, or makeup remover wipes may be missing. Housekeeping may also be "on request," so you might not get automatic restocks each day. Coffee packets may be absent, too.

Pack a simple overnight kit so you aren’t hunting for a store late at night. This matters most in rural areas where the nearest pharmacy could be miles down the highway.

It’s common to find an outdoor ice machine and vending machines for drinks or snacks. They’re handy after a long drive, but prices can be high and selection limited. Sometimes, the machine is empty or out of order, especially late at night.

If you want to save money, grab groceries before check-in. A cheap cooler or the room fridge can turn a motel stop into an easy picnic dinner, and you’ll wake up to drinks ready for the road. Bring a reusable bottle for ice and water.

Some motels offer "continental breakfast," which might mean coffee and pastries, or just coffee. Others offer nothing, even when the price looks similar. Photos can be misleading if they’re old or seasonal, so check recent reviews for what guests actually received.

If breakfast matters, call and ask what is provided and when it starts. Otherwise, plan on a nearby diner or supermarket. Knowing ahead of time prevents a frustrating morning scramble. Weekends may be more crowded, too.

Motels often raise rates on Fridays and Saturdays, especially near attractions, national parks, college towns, or big events. The same room can cost noticeably more per night, and availability can vanish faster than you’d expect in small areas.

If your route is flexible, weeknights are usually cheaper and quieter. Traveling Sunday through Thursday can stretch your budget, shorten check-in lines, and make it easier to request a quieter room. Your sleep may improve, too.

In parts of the U.S., gas stations and rest stops still carry coupon books with motel discounts. They’re a throwback, but they can shave real dollars off a night, especially on long highway routes where multiple motels compete for the same drivers.

Coupons work best for flexible trips where you haven’t pre-booked. Always read the fine print: some deals exclude holidays, require cash, or apply only to certain room types. Ask before you commit.

Booking sites are handy, but a quick call can sometimes match or beat the online price, especially at smaller hotels that pay commissions to third-party platforms. You might also learn about AAA, senior, or weekly rates that aren’t shown online.

Calling lets you confirm key details: deposit holds, ID requirements, pet fees, late arrival plans, and whether the mini-fridge or microwave is actually in the room. That two-minute chat can prevent surprises after a long drive.

Do you dare check in? 12 American haunted hotels for a spooky stay

Whether you are a seasoned paranormal investigator or just a traveler who enjoys a side of "spooky" with your room service, America’s historic hotels have plenty to offer. These grand buildings aren't just architectural landmarks; many are home to restless spirits and tales of tragedy that have lingered for decades. Here is a guide to 12 of the most haunted hotels in America, where the history is as rich as the hauntings.

Image: ArvidO

Located in America’s oldest city, the Casa Monica is said to be haunted by a woman in a white dress and a man in a black 1920s-style suit. Guests frequently report the sound of phantom footsteps and children’s laughter echoing through the hallways, even when no children are staying there.

The fourth floor is known for the most activity. Visitors claim a child's handprint appears on the bathroom mirror of the Flagler Suite. Yet, the most spooky spot in Casa Monica is the Ponce de Leon Suite, which is haunted by a "lady in white," with radios turning on by themselves. Would you dare stay in this hotel?

Image: southerndaydreamer

Built in 1886 by cattle baron Jesse Driskill as the "Finest Hotel South of St. Louis," this Romanesque building is not only the undisputed grande dame of Austin hospitality but also its most haunted spot. The Driskill has hosted presidents, rock stars, and high society, but its permanent residents are the ones who draw the most attention.

The spirit of Colonel Driskill himself is said to still supervise the property. Staff and guests regularly report the distinct smell of his favorite cigar smoke. But perhaps the most famous sighting occurs on the grand staircase leading to the mezzanine. Visitors often report seeing a small girl in a period dress holding flowers or chasing a ball, only for her to vanish into thin air when approached.

Image: National Photo Company Collection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Known as the "Grande Dame of Washington," The Mayflower has been the scene of D.C. power brokering, scandals, and high-society events since opening in 1925. Given its proximity to the White House, it’s no surprise that its most famous ghost is presidential.

President Calvin Coolidge’s inauguration ball was held at the hotel in 1925, but he didn’t attend; he was still in deep mourning over the recent death of his teenage son. It is said that Coolidge’s spirit attempts to make up for the missed party by returning to the hotel every year on the anniversary of the ball. Staff reports the grand ballroom lights flickering inexplicably, while visitors have smelled the distinct scent of Coolidge’s favorite cigars, a lingering reminder of a grieving president finally trying to enjoy his night.

Image: larsen9236

While technically a retired ocean liner, The Queen Mary serves as a hotel and is widely considered one of the most haunted places on Earth. During her time at sea, from 1936 to 1967, the ship carried royalty and Hollywood icons, but it also served as a troopship during WWII.

Today, the ship is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Guests frequently report the sounds of splashing water in the now-drained First-Class Swimming Pool area, wet footprints appearing on the dry deck, and sightings of "Jackie," a little girl who supposedly drowned decades ago. But if you are seeking a truly intense experience, Stateroom B340 is legendary. The room has a history of supernatural events, including faucets turning on by themselves, covers being ripped off beds, and a dark figure looming over guests at night.

Image: Mariana Montrazi

This Beaux-Arts masterpiece in downtown Louisville is steeped in Jazz Age glamour; F. Scott Fitzgerald was a regular guest and used the hotel as inspiration for the backdrop of Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s wedding in The Great Gatsby. But beneath the glitz lies a tragic tale that has generated ghost stories for nearly a century.

The Seelbach’s most famous haunt is the "Lady in Blue." According to lore, in 1936, Patricia Wilson was awaiting her recently divorced lover at the hotel so they could finally marry. When he was tragically killed in a car accident on his way to her, Patricia was so distraught that she threw herself down an elevator shaft. Guests today report seeing a woman with dark hair in a long blue chiffon dress walking into the elevator doors, still waiting for the arrival that will never happen.

Image: Christy Rice

With its iconic bright red turrets and sprawling Victorian wooden architecture, "The Del" sits just across the bay from San Diego, looking like a fairytale seaside resort. However, its sunny exterior hides one of America’s most enduring ghost stories: the legend of Kate Morgan.

In 1892, a beautiful young woman checked into the hotel under a false name. She was visibly distressed, reportedly waiting for a lover who never arrived. Five days later, her body was found on the hotel steps leading to the beach. Known today as the "Beautiful Stranger," her spirit is most often associated with her former room, now numbered 3327. Guests staying there report flickering lights, gentle breezes in closed rooms, items moving on their own, and even the faint reflection of a Victorian woman in the mirror.

Image: Henry Desro

This Denver icon has never closed its doors since 1892. Known for its unique triangular shape and opulent lobby, this historic Italian Renaissance landmark was built by Henry Cordes Brown, a real estate pioneer who donated land for the State Capitol. It was once Denver's grandest hotel, hosting presidents and famous guests like Molly Brown and Helen Keller, while also earning a reputation as one of America's most haunted hotels.

Its most famous ghost is Louise Crawford Hill, a socialite who lived in the hotel for more than 10 years. After her death, the hotel began receiving "phantom telephone calls" from her old room, even though the telephone lines had been disconnected during renovations. She is also said to linger through the hallways, especially near her former room, the 904.

Image: Luc Marshall

The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel opened in 1927 by film pioneers and is known for its Spanish Colonial architecture, lavish parties, and persistent ghost stories. It famously hosted the first Academy Awards in 1929 and now serves as a frequent haunt for legends like Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, and Errol Flynn.

Although it is no longer what it used to be, Old Hollywood glamour never truly dies here. Guests have reported seeing the reflection of Marilyn Monroe in a mirror that once hung in her favorite suite (room 1200). Others claim to hear the ghost of Montgomery Clift playing his trumpet in Room 928 while practicing for his role in From Here to Eternity. True or not, you shouldn't miss The Hollywood Roosevelt if you ever travel to Los Angeles.

Image: Atakra, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Santa Fe’s history is violent and vibrant, and La Fonda is a true reflection of that heritage. The hotel sits on a site that has hosted inns since the 1600s, evolving from a stop on the Santa Fe Trail to a landmark hotel designed in the Pueblo Revival style. It has become a cultural hub, famous for its distinctive architecture, art, and role in local history, including hosting Manhattan Project figures.

As expected, it is also said to be haunted. The most common sighting is Judge John P. Slough, who was shot in the lobby in 1867. Guests also report seeing a "distraught businessman" who jumped into the hotel well after losing his fortune in a high-stakes card game.

Image: Corbin Klesken

Located right next to the Alamo, the Emily Morgan Hotel is a 1924 Gothic Revival towering skyscraper that first hosted the Medical Arts Building. Known for its unique gargoyles depicting medical ailments, it later operated as offices, and in 1984 became the Alamo Plaza Hotel, renamed the Emily Morgan Hotel for folk heroine Emily West (Yellow Rose of Texas).

It's no surprise that a hotel located in a former hospital and crematorium is considered one of America's most haunted hotels. Due to the deaths that occurred in this medical facility, especially on the 7th, 12th, and 14th floors, guests have reported the smell of antiseptic, the sound of gurneys rolling down halls, and sightings of a woman in a white gown. Really spooky, don’t you think?

Image: Lennart Wittstock

The story of The Elms began in the 1880s due to local mineral springs, with the first wooden hotel opening in 1888. Famous for its healing waters, Prohibition-era speakeasies, and gangster guests like Al Capone, it hosted President Harry S. Truman in 1948 and has undergone major renovations, maintaining its legacy as a historic resort with paranormal lore.

Since its inauguration, The Elms Hotel has burned down twice, and spirits related to those fires are said to linger. One of the most famous ghosts is "The Gambler," a man from the hotel's speakeasy days who was allegedly killed by the mob. He is often seen in the lap pool area, appearing as a protective but silent figure.

Image: meganzopf

The Omni Mount Washington, a grand hotel opened in 1902 by Joseph Stickney, is famous for its Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture, being the largest wooden structure in New England. It's a National Historic Landmark and a major destination, known for its luxury, innovation, and association with historical figures and legends, including ghost stories.

The "Princess" Carolyn Stickney is the resident ghost here. She was the widow of the hotel's builder, who famously remarried a European prince. She is often seen in her private suite (Room 314), where her original four-poster bed still sits. Guests often wake up to find a woman brushing her hair at the foot of the bed. Not a lodge recommended for those faint of heart!