Description
Clarion Inn, Clarion Inn & Suites, and Clarion Pointe are part of the prestigious Choice Hotels International portfolio—one of the world’s largest and most recognized hospitality companies. These brands cater to travelers seeking affordable comfort, modern amenities, and value-driven experiences, making them a strong franchise choice in today’s competitive midscale and upper-midscale hotel market.
With decades of proven success, Clarion brands have established themselves as trusted names in hospitality, offering investors a chance to join a network that benefits from Choice Hotels’ powerful distribution channels, advanced technology platforms, and award-winning loyalty programs. Whether it’s business travelers, families, or vacationers, Clarion delivers consistent quality across the United States, ensuring franchise owners can tap into a strong and sustainable demand.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
- Backed by Choice Hotels International – a global hospitality leader with 80+ years of expertise and more than 7,000 hotels worldwide.
- Established Brand Recognition – Clarion Inn and Clarion Pointe are trusted names in the midscale category.
- Diverse Market Appeal – Ideal for business hubs, suburban areas, tourist destinations, and airports.
- Robust Franchise Support – From site selection and construction to ongoing marketing and operations.
- Revenue Opportunities – Multiple revenue streams through room sales, meetings/events, food & beverage, and loyalty-driven bookings.
- Technology & Loyalty Advantage – Access to Choice Hotels’ powerful Choice Privileges® Loyalty Program with millions of members.
Background
- Founded: Clarion Hotels brand was launched in 1963.
- Parent Company: Choice Hotels International, founded in 1939.
- Franchise Units: 300+ Clarion brand hotels operating across the U.S. and growing globally.
- Industry: Hospitality, Travel & Tourism – Midscale to Upper-Midscale Hotels.
- Ownership: Publicly traded company (NYSE: CHH) headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, USA.
- Brand Journey:
- Clarion Inn – Designed for affordability with essential amenities.
- Clarion Inn & Suites – A step-up experience with additional suites and guest facilities.
- Clarion Pointe – A newer brand refresh focusing on modern design, technology integration, and convenience for younger, tech-savvy travelers.
Together, these brands represent a diverse and scalable hotel investment opportunity in the thriving midscale hospitality sector.
Support Training
Choice Hotels provides one of the most comprehensive franchise support systems in the industry:
-
Pre-Opening Support
- Market research & site selection guidance.
- Property design, architectural, and construction assistance.
- Vendor and supplier connections for FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment).
-
Operational Support
- Proprietary property management system (ChoiceEDGE).
- Revenue management and pricing strategies.
- 24/7 support for day-to-day hotel operations.
-
Marketing & Branding
- National advertising campaigns.
- Digital marketing and online booking support.
- Inclusion in ChoiceHotels.com and OTA (online travel agency) networks.
-
Training Programs
- Initial training for owners, managers, and staff at Choice University.
- Continuous education through workshops, webinars, and certifications.
-
Ongoing Support
- Field operations consultants and performance tracking.
- Access to the Choice Privileges Loyalty Program with 60M+ members.
- Regular brand updates and strategic guidance.
Ideal Candidate
Clarion brands attract a wide range of franchisees, but the ideal investor profile includes:
- Entrepreneurs or Hotel Operators with experience in hospitality or multi-unit business management.
- Investors with strong financial capacity to sustain pre-opening costs and operations.
- Passionate business owners who value customer service and brand standards.
- Location Preference: Urban centers, near airports, business hubs, interstate highways, tourist destinations, and secondary metro markets.
- Hands-on or Semi-Absentee Owners who can commit to brand compliance and leverage Choice Hotels’ support.
Financial Detail
| Expense Category |
Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|
| Total Investment Required |
$4,000,000 – $15,000,000 |
| Minimum Initial Investment |
$3,500,000+ |
| Franchise Fee |
$25,000 – $50,000 |
| Infrastructure/Construction |
$2,500,000 – $10,000,000 |
| Marketing Budget |
$75,000 – $200,000 |
| Working Capital |
$100,000 – $300,000 |
| Royalty Fee |
5% of Gross Room Revenue |
| Marketing Fee (Ad Fund) |
3% of Gross Room Revenue |
| Expected ROI |
10% – 15% annually |
| Break-even Time |
3 – 6 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams |
Room Sales, Events/Meetings, Food & Beverage, Loyalty Program Bookings, Corporate Partnerships |
Note: Investment ranges may vary depending on property size, location, and renovation requirements.
