Those two songs are great songs; I have always felt that they were similar in some ways. Did Mick and Keith write "MM" first?
Rock and Roll,
Mops

I would think Memory Motel came first. Black and Blue was 1976, Hotel California was 77 I think.

I alway think Memory Motel is about a girl (obvious really). I'd say Hotel California is more about the place and the lifestyle, drink, drugs, etc. Although HC talks about a girl specifically I don't think that's what it's about.

Is Memory Motel written about Carly Simon or is that just an urban myth?

I think I've bust a button on my trousers....

There was a "Hotel California", which inspired Don Henley to write the song. .
In Norco, California. It was converted in to a State Prison, known as the, California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) State Prison. All the lyrics written are about a prisoner within this prison and the daily activities revolving within it.
But I've heard too that Hotel California was The Beverly Hill Hotel
Nicknamed ""The Pink Palace .On the photo it looks very much to the Eagles front cover.



I am a Frenchie ,as Mick affectionately called them in the Old Grey Whistle Test in 1977 .

Always thought Memory Motel was a parting kiss to Bianca.

Hotel California sounds more like an Angie rip off to me.

i always felt that hotel california is basically about how hippie society went from peace and love to become the me generation in a few short yrs

Also, some of HC is about Don Henley's ex-girlfriend Lori (Her mind is Tiffani twisted, she's got the Mercedes bends/Benz,etc.).

MM is a tour song - and a damn good one at that.