What are the main motel trends in 2025?
Here are the biggest motel industry trends to watch in 2025, spanning everything from innovative guest technology to wellness and sustainability.
Use technology
The tech hotels employ has become central to the hospitality experience, and motels are no exception. With guests often staying for just one night, the goal is to make their stay as seamless and memorable as possible.
Redefine the roadside stay with motel management software like Mews that simplifies and speeds up repetitive tasks for your staff, delivers actionable insights from data, and offers guest-facing features like digital check-in, keyless entry, and smart room control - all adding a new level of convenience to every stay.
Smart rooms are here to stay
Smart room features are moving from novelty to necessity. Road-weary guests appreciate touches like voice-activated lighting, smart TVs, or playing relaxing music as soon as they walk in.
Expect more motels to invest in smart mirrors with local event or weather updates, digital key access, and intelligent climate or lighting control - all of which make a short stay more comfortable and personalized. These features don't just impress - they help guests feel more at home, more quickly. From setting the perfect temperature to offering local tips at a glance, smart rooms cater to modern expectations without compromising on warmth or ease.
Go mobile-first
Many motel bookings happen on the go, so a mobile-first experience is essential. Your website should be optimized for smartphones, with clear calls to action and fast load times. If budget allows, a mobile app can help guests manage bookings or check-in even faster.
Mobile check-in and digital keys are also on the rise (as they should be), helping guests go straight to their rooms. This shift also means fewer staff are needed around the clock, offering cost savings and greater flexibility for your hotel.
Unlock the power of data
Data is the foundation of better decision-making. Whether it's understanding booking patterns, pricing more competitively, or tracking guest preferences, motels that embrace data analytics will be in a stronger position.
Invest in tools that help you interpret your performance and spot opportunities. The more you can do with your data - including benchmarking against your comp set - the more likely you are to grow occupancy and revenue.
Don't neglect AI
AI is playing a bigger role across all areas of hospitality. From predictive demand forecasting to content generation and customer service, it's becoming a powerful time-saver and proven way to exceed customer expectations.
For motels, AI chatbots are especially helpful - providing 24/7 support for guests with unpredictable arrival times. Whether it's handling check-in, answering questions or providing directions, AI can reduce pressure on your staff and improve guest satisfaction.
Sustainability matters
Even one-night guests are paying more attention to sustainability. Whether it's eco-friendly lighting, refillable water stations, or locally sourced breakfasts, every small step counts.
Sustainable choices show your motel cares about its footprint and can set you apart in a crowded market. Consider motion sensors, green cleaning products, or partnerships with local eco-initiatives to build trust with conscious travelers.
Don't lose the human touch
While automation is on the rise, human interaction still matters - especially when stays can otherwise feel impersonal. A warm welcome, route tips, or dinner recommendations can go a long way in creating a memorable experience.
The real opportunity lies in combining the best of both worlds: frictionless tech with standout service. Personalized interactions will become a key differentiator as self-service becomes more standard.
Food and beverage can tip the scales
More travelers are seeking motels with quality food and drink options. Whether it's freshly brewed coffee or a warm evening meal, good F&B can turn a short stay into something special.
If your motel doesn't have space for a kitchen, consider partnering with a local restaurant or food truck. Offering better-than-average options can be what nudges a guest to book your property instead of the one next door.
Health-conscious guests on the rise
Today's guests are more focused on health and wellness. From plant-based meal options to fitness-friendly amenities, expectations are shifting.
This might mean providing access to a small gym, yoga mats in rooms, or a lap pool. Even a walking map or meditation app access can show that you're tuned into the different types of hotel guests and how to meet their expectations.
Conclusion
Following motel trends isn't just about staying current - it's about staying competitive. By investing in guest-first technology, focusing on sustainability, improving F&B, and providing smart, data-driven service, your motel can stand out in 2025 and beyond.
Adapt where needed, build on what you already do well, and don't underestimate the power of combining tech innovation with genuine hospitality.
Download our guide 'How to Migrate to Mews from an On-premises PMS'
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