The Meanings Behind Hotel and Motel Chain's Names

Lafayette, Louisiana (KMDL) - It's Summertime in Louisiana, and that means that at some point you probably be hitting the open road.

Depending on how far you're traveling, you might be in need of a hotel or motel along the way.

Sure, we all know that Hilton Hotels are named after the founder, Conrad Nicholson Hilton, but what about The Doubletree or Motel 6?

The answers behind the names are more interesting than you might think.

Unsplash Via Matthew Smith

What's The Difference Between A Motel And A Hotel?

There are obviously differences between motels and hotels, and it's not just the price it costs to stay at one.

A motel is short for "Motor Hotel".

Motels are usually one or two stories with rooms lined up side by side.

Rooms at motels have exterior entrances, often facing a parking lot where you can just drive right up to the door of your room.

Commonly found along highways and interstates, motels are more basic than hotels, usually having things like vending machines, a simple breakfast, maybe a small pool.

In short, motels are designed for short stays, where hotels are designed for longer stays.

Hotels are much larger buildings with multiple floors instead of just one or two.

Rooms are accessible through interior hallways and feature way amenities like restaurants, gyms, pools, business centers, and much more.

Unsplash Via Francesca Saraco

Meanings Behind Motel And Hotel Names

The meaning behind most motel and hotel names in the U.S. is usually pretty obvious.

Comfort Inn, Holiday Inn, Hilton...it's all pretty self explanatory.

But, what about Motel 6?

What's the 6 about?

Let's find out!

Motel 6

Google Maps

The motel chain Motel 6 was founded in 1962.

According to motel6.com, the founders William Becker and Paul Greene wanted to offer affordable rooms for people needing a clean place to sleep for the night before hitting the road in the morning.

The two decided on a price of $6 a night, hence the "6" in Motel 6.

Rooms are clearly more than $6 a night these days so the 6 might not make much sense to us now, but back in 1962 it made perfect sense.

Doubletree

Google Maps

The original Doubletree Hotel opened in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1969.

At that first Doubletree location, there were two large palm trees on either side of the driveway where customers would enter the parking lot, hence the name Doubletree.

The DoubleTree is now best known for its warm chocolate chip cookies given to guests at check-in, which began in the 1980s.

Super 8

Google Maps

Super 8 Hotel began in 1974 in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

The hotel chain's name origin is similar to Motel 6.

It's called Super 8 due to the original room price of $8.88.

Imagine paying $8.88 for room.

Super 8 Hotel is currently the largest budget chain in the U.S. with 2,600 locations.