Hired in 1986, Bodett ad-libbed the line, “We'll leave the light on for you”while in the recording studio for the first time and the slogan was both an instant and lasting success, staying with the chain for over 25 years and counting.

Two California contractors, William Becker and Paul Greene, saw a need for an economy motel on the California coast. They opened a 52-room motel in Santa Barbara, offering a good night's sleep for the low, low price of just $6 per night (cash only). Fittingly, they decided to name it Motel 6.

Motel 6 Since 1986, he has been the spokesman for the motel chain Motel 6, ending commercials with the phrase, "I'm Tom Bodett for Motel 6, and we'll leave the light on for you."

Motel 6 and Studio 6, the no-frills budget hotel chains that once offered rooms for $6 a night, are being sold by French parent Accor for $1.9 billion. Their new owner, an affiliate of private equity firm Blackstone Group, already owns Hilton Worldwide.

The term "motel" originated with the Motel Inn of San Luis Obispo, originally called the Milestone Mo-Tel, which was constructed in 1925 by Arthur Heineman. In conceiving of a name for his hotel, Heineman abbreviated motor hotel to mo-tel after he could not fit the words "Milestone Motor Hotel" on his rooftop.

Motels: Motels were originally called “motor hotels,” targeted toward family and business travelers who were traveling by car. Motels usually offer a basic level of accommodation and simple amenities, as they are designed to meet the needs of people who might only be staying one or two nights.

The term "motel" originated with the Motel Inn of San Luis Obispo, originally called the Milestone Mo-Tel, which was constructed in 1925 by Arthur Heineman. In conceiving of a name for his hotel, Heineman abbreviated motor hotel to mo-tel after he could not fit the words "Milestone Motor Hotel" on his rooftop.

Motels: Motels were originally called “motor hotels,” targeted toward family and business travelers who were traveling by car. Motels usually offer a basic level of accommodation and simple amenities, as they are designed to meet the needs of people who might only be staying one or two nights.

BBDO's Robin Fitzgerald picks her 3 favorite ads. Among long-running advertising campaigns, few are as charming as Motel 6's radio work featuring Tom Bodett as the folksy voice who promises that the motel will “leave the light on for ya.”

Lighting is an essential aspect of hotel design that can significantly impact the ambiance and guest experience. Understanding the different types of lighting and their appropriate uses is crucial for hospitality students to create efficient and purposeful indoor and outdoor lighting.

: an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area.

: an establishment which provides lodging and parking and in which the rooms are usually accessible from an outdoor parking area.