The structure and dynamics of surfactant molecules intercalated in Laponite have been characterized by solid-state C-13 NMR relaxation times and C-13- and Si-29-detected proton relaxation times. These results are compared to similar data obtained for a surfactant intercalated in montmorillonite and for different mesoporous materials. As compared with montmorillonite clay, a higher mobility and a greater percentage of the gauche conformation of the surfactant molecules are found in Laponite. The Si-29-detected proton relaxation times in the rotating frame are sensitive to the amount of intercalated surfactant.