1999
102
$109,250
$15,000
$5,836,500
No
America's Best Inns & Suites, a distinguished mid-tier hotel brand, offers a compelling franchise opportunity for entrepreneurs seeking to invest in the U.S. hospitality industry.With a legacy of providing clean, comfortable, and efficient accommodations, the brand caters to travelers seeking quality lodging at affordable prices.Positioned within the economy segment, America's Best Inns & Suites competes with other select-service brands such as Super 8, Rodeway Inn, Red Roof Inn, Days Inn, and Motel 6, making it an attractive choice for both new builds and conversions in secondary and tertiary markets.
Proven Brand Recognition: As part of the Sonesta family, America's Best Inns & Suites benefits from the strength and reach of one of the largest hotel companies in the U.S., enhancing brand credibility and customer trust.
Scalable Investment: The franchise model is designed to be scalable, allowing investors to start with a single unit and expand to multiple locations, maximizing potential returns.
Sustainable Revenue Streams: With a focus on value-conscious travelers, franchisees can tap into a steady stream of guests seeking affordable lodging options, ensuring consistent occupancy rates.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and ongoing support, including operational guidance, marketing assistance, and access to a network of experienced professionals, ensuring a smooth and successful business operation.
1. Established Year & Origins:
America’s Best Inns & Suites was originally founded in 1999. The brand emerged to serve value-conscious travelers who wanted clean, safe, and affordable accommodations. Over the years, it has positioned itself in the economy and mid-tier hotel segment, providing essential services without the luxury price tag.
2. Franchise Units:
Currently, there are approximately 102 operational franchise units across the United States. These properties are often located in secondary and tertiary markets, catering to travelers seeking budget-friendly lodging outside major metropolitan areas.
3. Founders & Ownership History:
Initially, the brand was part of US Franchise Systems.
In 2004, Buckhead America Corp. acquired America’s Best Inns & Suites, bringing it under more extensive corporate management.
Today, it is part of the Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, which operates a broad portfolio of hotel brands globally. This affiliation gives franchisees access to a larger corporate network, stronger brand recognition, and proven operational systems.
4. Brand Journey & Company History:
Started as a small regional brand with a focus on budget-friendly lodging.
Expanded steadily through franchising, focusing on high-traffic, affordable, and value-driven locations.
Integrated modern technology and loyalty programs to enhance guest experience and compete with other economy chains like Super 8, Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, and Days Inn.
Maintains a focus on quality standards for cleanliness, safety, and customer service to build a reliable reputation in the hospitality industry.
5. Market Presence in the USA:
America’s Best Inns & Suites operates predominantly in the United States, with strong visibility in mid-sized cities and suburban areas.
Its target market includes budget-conscious travelers, families, business travelers seeking cost-effective accommodations, and tourists in secondary locations.
6. Industry Category:
Hospitality – Economy Hotel Chain
Positioned in the mid-tier/economy segment to offer affordable, value-based lodging.
Competes with other well-known economy hotel brands, leveraging brand recognition and franchise support systems.
7. Other Information:
The brand emphasizes franchise growth through conversions and new constructions, providing flexibility for investors.
Its affiliation with Sonesta allows for centralized reservations systems, marketing programs, and loyalty platforms, which improve franchisee revenue potential.
Known for a consistent, clean, and welcoming guest experience, which drives repeat business.
America’s Best Inns & Suites offers comprehensive support and training to help franchisees succeed at every stage of their business—from pre-launch to ongoing operations. The support system is designed to ensure franchisees can run their hotels efficiently, maximize occupancy, and maintain brand standards.
1. Pre-Launch Support:
Site Selection & Evaluation: Franchise experts assist in selecting the ideal property or location, ensuring it meets brand requirements and market demand.
Design & Construction Guidance: For new builds or renovations, the brand provides guidance on hotel design, layout, and branding standards to ensure a consistent guest experience.
Permits & Licensing: Assistance with understanding and obtaining local permits, zoning, and compliance requirements.
Business Planning: Help with financial projections, budgeting, and feasibility analysis to ensure a strong start.
2. Operational Training:
Hotel Management Training: Comprehensive programs cover all aspects of hotel operations, including front desk management, housekeeping, maintenance, and guest services.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Franchisees are trained on daily operations, quality control, and customer service best practices.
Staff Training: Guidance on recruiting, training, and managing hotel staff to maintain operational efficiency and brand standards.
3. Marketing & Sales Support:
Brand Marketing: Access to national and regional campaigns to build brand recognition and attract guests.
Digital Marketing Assistance: Support for website listings, online booking systems, social media promotion, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Promotional Materials: Franchisees receive templates and resources for local advertising, promotions, and customer engagement initiatives.
Loyalty Programs: Integration with Sonesta’s loyalty platforms to drive repeat bookings and customer retention.
4. Ongoing Support:
Operational Audits & Guidance: Regular check-ins and audits to ensure the property maintains brand standards and operational efficiency.
Continuous Training: Updated training programs and materials to keep franchisees and staff aligned with industry best practices and evolving guest expectations.
Business Consulting: Access to experienced franchise consultants for advice on increasing revenue, optimizing occupancy, and addressing operational challenges.
Technology Support: Assistance with reservations systems, property management software, and other tools to streamline daily operations.
5. Additional Benefits:
Network of franchisees to share knowledge, best practices, and insights.
Assistance with local community engagement and partnerships to boost visibility and bookings.
Guidance on leveraging the Sonesta brand’s reputation to attract corporate contracts, group bookings, and long-term guests.
America’s Best Inns & Suites seeks franchisees who are motivated, financially capable, and aligned with the brand’s values of providing quality, affordable lodging. The ideal investor combines business acumen with a passion for hospitality and long-term growth.
1. Investor Profile:
Individuals, families, or investment groups with the financial capacity to meet minimum investment requirements and sustain operational costs.
Investors seeking a stable, long-term business opportunity in the hospitality industry.
Those interested in scalable investment, with the potential to expand to multiple hotel locations over time.
2. Business Background:
Prior experience in hotel management, hospitality, or service-oriented industries is advantageous but not mandatory.
Strong interest in business operations, customer service, and staff management.
Ability to follow standardized procedures while maintaining flexibility to adapt to local market needs.
3. Passion & Mindset:
Committed to delivering a high-quality guest experience.
Enthusiastic about building a reputable, trusted brand presence in the local market.
Entrepreneurial mindset with focus on growth, operational excellence, and profitability.
4. Investment Capability:
Must have access to liquid capital and the ability to fund the total investment required (ranging from $109,250 to $5,836,500 depending on location).
Comfortable managing working capital for staffing, marketing, and day-to-day operations.
5. Location Preference:
Willingness to operate in secondary or tertiary markets, including suburban or smaller urban areas, where budget-conscious travelers are the primary audience.
Openness to either converting an existing property or developing a new hotel build to meet brand standards.
6. Other Characteristics:
Strong leadership and team management skills.
Commitment to following the franchisor’s operational and marketing guidance.
Focus on customer satisfaction, repeat business, and long-term growth.
| Financial Item | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $109,250 – $5,836,500 (depends on location, size, and condition of property) |
| Minimum Investment Required | $109,250 |
| Franchise Fee | $15,000 |
| Royalty Fee | $17.50 – $22.50 per room per month |
| Renewal Fee | 50% of then-current franchise fee |
| Marketing Budget | Not specified; recommended to allocate funds for local marketing |
| Working Capital | Varies by location; depends on operational needs |
| Expected ROI | Not specified; varies with market, location, and management |
| Break-even Time | Not specified; depends on occupancy and operational efficiency |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Room bookings, extended-stay packages, group bookings, additional services (laundry, vending, etc.) |
| Franchise Units | 102 units currently operating in the USA |
| Infrastructure Cost | Included within total investment; depends on property type (new build vs. conversion) |
