The film's original screenplay was a darker, more disturbing story with bestiality and a lot more violence in it and it was definitely not a black comedy.
Tobe Hooper was originally going to direct this film for Universal Studios, but when the studio balked at the bizarre project, Hooper also departed.
United Artists marketed "Motel Hell" as a straightforward horror film rather than a black comedy/horror film, fearing that any quirkiness in the theatrical trailers or the theatrical release posters would drive away potential audiences. However, the tagline "You might just die...laughing!" still appeared on several of the aforementioned theatrical release posters.
The role of Sheriff Bruce Smith in the film was specifically written for Paul Linke to play. Linke went to college with its co-writer and co-producer, Robert Jaffe.
A scene with Reverend Billy (Wolfman Jack) officiating a wedding at a church was shot, but cut from the final version of the film.