Have ever wondered about the difference between a hotel and motel? We have, too! We did some poking around and found 8 key differences.

1. Inside/Outside - Motels typically have outside corridors between the rooms and various other places throughout the motel. Hotels on the other hand typically have inside corridors between the rooms and various other parts of the hotel.
2. Parking – Motels typically have "open" parking meaning that visitors can sometimes park directly in front of their room. Hotels usually have designated parking areas, away from the main building.
3. Price- Motels generally cost less than hotels. Also, motels often market themselves as having weekly or even monthly rates. Because of the lower rates, some people will use motels as temporary housing.
4. Call Ahead – Motels do not require a reservation. On the other hand with a hotel, depending what time of year it is, you may have to reserve a room, weeks or even months ahead of time.
5. Do It Yourself – Motels are usually lacking in amenities. In contrast, hotels tend to offer many amenities. Hotels may offer such things as pools, spas, restaurants or even golf courses. Many hotels will have concierges, to help guest plan outside activities. Some hotels even have doormen and even bellhops to carry guests' luggage to and from their rooms.
6. Room Count – Hotels generally offer many more rooms than motels. Some hotels may offer guests' a choice of hundreds of rooms available and will even offer their guests' suites, which can give them a little taste of home.
7. Business is Business - Motels do not tend to cater to business travelers. On the flip-side, a major portion of hotel marketing is designed to attract a business clientele. Because of this, many hotels will offer such things as conference rooms, fax machines, computers and free wi-fi.
8. To Rest or To Play – "Motel" actually is short-hand for "Motor Hotel". Motels are typically located along major thoroughfares and are designed to provide travelers with a place to get a quick rest before moving on. Hotels are designed around events and destinations. This is why many hotels are located near major attractions, like amusement parks.
   

Whether you've recently relocated, you're dissatisfied with the care you've received at your current dentist, or you've just never gotten around to finding one, choosing the right dentist can feel overwhelming. Before you get your floss in a wad, take a look at our tips for choosing a great dentist.

Check Your Insurance
If you have dental insurance, then finding out which dentists are in your network should be your first order of business. Most insurance companies provide this information on their website. If you can't locate this information, then a quick call to your provider will give you the information you need. This will narrow your search considerably, making it easier to quickly find a dentist.

Ask for Recommendations
Once you've narrowed your search, seek out recommendations. If you're searching for a dentist because you've relocated, then your current dentist may be able to recommend a dentist that is near your new home. If you know people in the area, then ask around; oftentimes, you'll hear the names of one or two dentist offices that people have had consistently good experiences with.

Look at Treatments Offered
Some dentists also have training in orthodontics, while others specialize in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Other dentists have received extra training beyond dentals school to provide pediatric care, and still others specialize in periodontics. Consider the unique needs that you and the members of your household have, and look for a dentist that offers the specialized care that you need.

Consider the Location and Office Hours
No matter how wonderful the dentist is, if they're located 45 minutes away from your home or workplace, then keeping regular appointments will be a challenge. The same goes for office hours. If the dentist you choose is only open three days a week and their hours of operation are also the hours that you will be at work, then you'll have a difficult time keeping regularly scheduled visits. Look for a dentist that is conveniently located and has office hours that will accommodate your busy schedule.

Personal Comfort
One of the primary things to consider when you choose a dentist is how comfortable you feel with that person. Do you feel free to talk about your symptoms and ask questions? Do you feel as though the dentist rushes through your check-ups rather than taking time to hear and understand your concerns? If you are receiving a procedure like a filling or a root canal, do you feel comfortable expressing your anxiety or asking for more pain medicine? While some discomfort with certain procedures may be inevitable, your dentist should provide attentive and empathetic care.

Choosing a dentist can feel like a daunting task, but by taking these things into consideration, you can pick one that will fit your needs and lifestyle.