An establishment providing accommodation and often also other facilities and services primarily for motorists. Originating in North America as a response to growth in motor travel, early motels were distinguished by low-rise buildings with rooms normally accessible from the outside, adjacent car parking and location in relation to highways. These features are still characteristic of many motels today but other establishments so called do not differ significantly from hotels with extensive parking facilities, and are sometimes also known as motor hotels, motor inns and motor lodges.