Whether you are a highway motel trying to capture a bit more drive-by traffic, a budget-friendly alternative, or are one of the only lodging options in a remote area—you must invest in the essential motel signage below. If this is your first motel, there is likely a bit more required motel signage than you imagine. Having clear concise messaging can bring passersby into your motel, or answer any potential questions.
Blue Freeway Exit Signs
Every state’s requirements are unique, but if your motel has at least 8 rooms, a dedicated parking lot, is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, has in-room bathroom facilities, in-room phones, and is within 6 miles from the off-ramp you may be eligible to apply for a blue freeway exit sign. These highly sought after spots can drive more traffic to your business, but its not easy to get on one of these signs. The fee for lodging signs varies from a few hundred dollars each to several thousand dollars per sign per year.
You likely want one sign in each direction, and maybe more to direct guests to your location—especially if you are more than a turn or two away. If there aren’t any sign vacancies keep your eye open for other lodging options who fail to renew their freeway motel signage. Use this in conjunction with an outdoor LED Sign to get the attention of customers at night for your motel.
Long-Distance Exterior Sign
Lighted long-distance exterior motel signage is essential. You want your signs to be large and bright enough that they can be seen from the freeway. If your motel isn’t along the freeway, your sign still needs to be visible from several blocks away. While you may have had your current fluorescent sign for years, many motels are upgrading to layered LED alternatives. LED Motel Signage is an investment, but they pay themselves back by increasing your visibility, improving your branding, and decreasing your utility bill—as they are 80% more energy-efficient than fluorescent signs.
Digital Motel Signage is also brighter and easier to view from long distances, both day and night. They are weatherproof, durable, vandal proof-meaning they can withstand hits from baseball bats, and graffiti is easily washable. Best of all you don’t need to change the bulbs. No more lettering to swap out as they can be digitally programmed in real-time from within your motel, office, car or anywhere with internet access, ensuring your sign is always up to date.
Many motels choose a large LED logo sign with two or three layers below. Maybe a scrolling sign or two that states your prices, amenities such as AC and cable, whether pets are allowed, a seasonal message, and whether you have vacancies. If you aren’t along the freeway but are nearby, you can still benefit from posting a freeway sign to let travelers know you are near. This would be in addition to your onsite sign.
Parking Lot Signs
Every parking lot layout is unique, but you should add at least a few parking lot signs to direct traffic, increase function, and improve safety. If you have a distinct entrance and exit, ensure each is clearly marked. If it’s not clear where the lobby or stairs are, add a few strategically placed signs. If you have a wraparound drive, ensure signs and painted arrows direct traffic. Your disabled and pregnancy parking should also be clearly labeled. Ensure your parking lot signs are made of reflective materials so that they are visible at night and be mindful of exterior lighting to further improve visibility. Place state-compliant signs in the designated locations.
Directory Signs
The larger your motel the more directory signs are required. Directory signs inform guests which way to go like up the stairs, to their room, to current room numbers. Additionally, signs are also needed for the:
- Lobby
- General parking
- RV and semi parking
- Stairs
- Ice Machine
- Vending Machines
- Laundry Facilities
- Pool
- Pool restrooms
- Room numbers
Protocol Signs
You have rules and regulations in place so ensure they are readily available on strategically placed motel signage. This could include no-smoking signs at your lobby, pool, or even in each room. No diving signs at the pool. Authorized personnel only signs. Each room should have an evacuation plan and safety protocol sign on the back of the door. Place checkout time signs in the lobby, along the walkway, and maybe even in the room.
Many of your protocol signs will be mounted, but you may want to use a scrolling digital sign, letter sign, whiteboard, or A-frame for alternating messages. For example, you may share your COVID-19 and social distancing protocols on a changeable or less permanent sign.
Digital Concierge Signs
Your motel signage can double as a digital concierge. Yes, you are a budget option and many of your guests will only stay one night, but you want their stay to be comfortable. You also want them to return to you next time they are in the area. A small or medium sign can hang on your lobby wall or window to rotate essential travel information. Stay on each sign for 1 to 5 seconds, shorter for images-only, longer depending on the amount of text that is displayed. This could include:
- Prices
- Promotions
- Accepted payment options
- How to return to the freeway
- The nearest restaurants
- Local attractions
- Your Wi-Fi password
- A list of your amenities
- Free coffee
- Times of your continental breakfast
- Images of your facilities
- Local fun facts
- Hotel fun facts
- FAQs
Looking For LED Motel Signage?
Motel signage improves communication, safety, and can be vital to ensuring your guests a comfortable stay. Not only that, but general digital signage, in addition to parking lot signs and directory signs, is shown to be the most effective form of advertising. If you would like to learn more about having a custom LED sign made for your motel, we invite you to reach out to Mega LED Technology today. We have a large portfolio of digital hotel and motel signs so that you can visualize what your custom sign will look like. This includes signs for mid-range and luxury hotels that play a larger role in hotel branding and promotions.
