Final answer:
The term 'motel' is a portmanteau of 'motor' and 'hotel', coined to describe roadside hotels built for motorists.
Step-by-step explanation:
The word 'motel' is a combination of the word 'motor' and 'hotel'. The term originated in the 1920s as the automobile industry grew and roadside hotels were built specifically for motorists on long-distance trips. They were designed to have rooms that were easily accessible from the parking area, which made it convenient for travelers to unload their vehicles and rest before continuing their journey.