As nouns the difference between shelter and motel
is that
shelter is a refuge, haven or other cover or protection from something while
motel is a lodging establishment typically featuring a series of rooms whose entrance is immediately adjacent to a parking lot, as might facilitate easy access to one's automobile during an overnight stay, particularly located near a major highway.
As a verb shelter
is to provide cover from damage or harassment; to shield; to protect.
As an adjective motel is
any of several architectural or interior design styles associated with motels, such as "
identicalness", "
anonymity", or any other perceived attribute of motels, particularly as differentiated from
hotels.