French word

motel

Pronunciation

IPA/motɛl/

Meaning

  • masculine nounmotel

Example

J'ai réservé une chambre au motel.

I booked a room at the motel.

Illustration for motel (motel)

More examples

Nous avons passé la nuit au motel près de l'autoroute.

We spent the night at the motel near the highway.

Core concept

A roadside lodging where each room opens near the guest parking area for a short stay.

Common phrases

  • réserver un motel

    book a motel

  • séjourner dans un motel

    stay at a motel

  • passer la nuit au motel

    spend the night at a motel

Similar words

hôtel: A place providing guest rooms and additional services, from small to large.
auberge: A small, welcoming inn offering local cuisine and a homelike atmosphere.
pension: A small, inexpensive place to stay with basic meals included.

Definition in French

Établissement hôtelier généralement proche d'une route, où les chambres s'ouvrent sur l'extérieur et le stationnement est prévu pour les clients, adapté aux courts séjours.

Word origin

French motel borrows the English blend of motor and hotel, formed for motorists seeking roadside accommodation.

Usage tips

  • Motel is masculine, so the example uses une chambre au motel, with au combining à and le.

Word lists with this word