1981
2000
$5,000,000
$50,000
$9,145,231
No
Comfort Suites, a premier brand under Choice Hotels International, offers a compelling franchise opportunity for investors seeking to enter the thriving U.S. hospitality market. Renowned for its spacious suites, modern amenities, and exceptional guest service, Comfort Suites caters to both business and leisure travelers. With a strong brand presence and a commitment to quality, Comfort Suites stands out in the upper midscale hotel segment.
Established Brand Recognition: As part of Choice Hotels International, Comfort Suites benefits from over 40 years of industry experience and a robust global presence.
Consistent Demand: The brand's focus on spacious accommodations and value-driven amenities appeals to a wide range of travelers, ensuring steady occupancy rates.
Comprehensive Support: Franchisees receive extensive training and operational support, including access to Choice University and the Openings Portal, facilitating a smooth hotel launch and ongoing management.
Proven Profitability: With a substantial number of units and a strong market presence, Comfort Suites offers a profitable investment opportunity with potential for growth.
1. Established Year:
Comfort Suites was established in 1981 as part of the expansion strategy of Choice Hotels International. The brand was designed to target travelers seeking spacious accommodations with enhanced amenities compared to standard midscale hotels.
2. Franchise Units:
Comfort Suites has grown to over 2,000 locations worldwide, with a significant presence in the United States. The brand continues to expand steadily through franchising, attracting investors interested in the upper midscale hospitality sector.
3. Founders:
The brand is part of Choice Hotels International, which was founded in 1939. Choice Hotels has been a pioneer in franchising hospitality brands, including Comfort Suites, Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, and Quality Inn, among others.
4. Brand Journey:
Early Years: Introduced as an upper midscale brand to serve business travelers and families seeking suite-style accommodations.
Expansion: Over the decades, Comfort Suites adopted modern designs, standardized operational processes, and enhanced guest amenities.
Innovation: The brand introduced proprietary concepts like the “Rise & Shine™” breakfast and digital check-in options, improving customer convenience.
Current Positioning: Comfort Suites is positioned as an upper midscale hotel brand known for spacious rooms, reliable service, and value-driven amenities.
5. Company History & Ownership:
Comfort Suites operates under the franchise model of Choice Hotels International. Choice Hotels itself is publicly traded and has become one of the largest hotel franchisors globally. Franchise owners retain operational control of individual hotels while leveraging the brand’s marketing, loyalty programs, and operational support.
6. Market Presence in the USA:
Comfort Suites enjoys a strong national footprint, with locations in all 50 states. Its target market includes business travelers, families on vacation, and extended-stay guests. The brand’s upper midscale positioning allows it to compete effectively in suburban, airport, and highway-adjacent locations.
7. Industry Category:
Comfort Suites falls into the upper midscale segment of the hotel industry, which focuses on providing higher quality amenities, larger rooms (often suites), and consistent guest service while maintaining affordability.
8. Additional Information:
Comfort Suites is recognized for its suite-style rooms, often offering separate living and sleeping areas.
The brand emphasizes guest satisfaction, cleanliness, and reliable service, leveraging Choice Hotels’ loyalty program, Choice Privileges, to attract repeat customers.
The franchise model allows investors to benefit from brand recognition, marketing support, and operational guidance while retaining ownership of individual properties.
Comfort Suites offers a comprehensive support system to ensure franchisees succeed from pre-launch to ongoing operations. The support covers all aspects of running a hotel, from operational management to marketing and staff training.
Before opening a Comfort Suites hotel, franchisees receive extensive guidance to ensure the property is set up for success:
Site Selection & Development: Experts assist in choosing the optimal location based on market research, local competition, and travel demand.
Design & Construction Guidance: Comfort Suites provides brand-compliant architectural and interior design standards, ensuring a consistent guest experience across all locations.
Project Management Tools: Franchisees gain access to the Openings Portal, a centralized platform for tracking construction, design approvals, and operational readiness.
Financial Planning Assistance: Guidance on budgeting for construction, equipment, and initial operational expenses.
Comfort Suites emphasizes operational excellence through structured training programs:
Choice University: Franchisees and key staff are trained in hotel operations, guest service, revenue management, and staffing procedures.
On-Site Training: Hands-on training at an existing Comfort Suites property to understand day-to-day operations and best practices.
Operational Manuals: Detailed manuals cover hotel management, front desk procedures, housekeeping, safety protocols, and compliance with brand standards.
Comfort Suites provides robust marketing resources to drive bookings and brand awareness:
National Marketing Campaigns: Participation in campaigns led by Choice Hotels, including digital advertising, search engine marketing, and promotions targeting frequent travelers.
Local Marketing Assistance: Guidance on community outreach, partnerships, and local advertising strategies to boost occupancy.
Digital Tools & Platforms: Access to a proprietary booking engine, loyalty program integration (Choice Privileges), and reputation management platforms to monitor guest reviews.
Management Training Programs: Courses on hotel finance, human resources, customer service, and leadership development.
Industry Updates: Regular webinars and resources covering trends, compliance updates, and operational innovations.
Franchisees benefit from continuous assistance to ensure long-term profitability:
Performance Reviews & Audits: Periodic evaluations of operational efficiency, guest satisfaction, and financial performance.
Dedicated Franchise Support Team: Access to corporate representatives for guidance on operations, marketing, and problem resolution.
Peer Networking: Opportunities to connect with other Comfort Suites franchisees to share best practices and learn from experienced operators.
Technology & Systems Upgrades: Regular updates to hotel management systems, booking platforms, and digital marketing tools.
Summary:
Comfort Suites provides a full-spectrum support system, combining pre-launch guidance, operational training, marketing resources, and ongoing assistance. This structured support reduces risks, accelerates profitability, and ensures franchisees maintain consistent brand standards while delivering an exceptional guest experience.
Comfort Suites seeks franchisees who are passionate, experienced, and financially capable to operate hotels successfully while upholding the brand’s reputation. The ideal franchisee possesses a combination of business acumen, hospitality interest, and investment capability.
Business Experience: Ideal candidates often have experience in business management, entrepreneurship, or hospitality operations.
Financial Capability: Investors must demonstrate strong financial stability, with sufficient liquid capital to cover franchise fees, operational costs, and initial investment requirements.
Track Record: A history of successfully managing businesses or investments is preferred, especially in service-oriented industries.
Hospitality-Oriented Mindset: The franchisee should be genuinely interested in providing high-quality guest experiences.
Commitment to Brand Standards: Comfort Suites relies on franchisees who consistently maintain the brand’s operational and service standards.
Customer Service Excellence: Franchisees must value and promote a culture of exceptional service, cleanliness, and professionalism across their hotel operations.
Total Investment: The typical total investment ranges from $5,027,342 to $9,145,231, excluding real estate costs.
Minimum Liquid Capital: Franchisees should have $5–6 million in available capital for initial investment and working capital.
Financial Planning Skills: Ability to manage budgets, control expenses, and maximize revenue streams is essential for profitability.
Geographic Interest: Investors should focus on areas with high travel demand, such as urban centers, suburban growth areas, airport-adjacent locations, and tourist destinations.
Market Insight: Understanding the local hospitality market, competition, and guest demographics helps in tailoring services and maximizing occupancy.
Leadership & Management Skills: Ability to lead hotel staff, foster a positive work environment, and manage day-to-day operations.
Problem-Solving Ability: Capable of addressing operational challenges, resolving guest issues, and adapting to market changes.
Long-Term Vision: Committed to growing the franchise over time and potentially expanding to multiple locations.
Summary:
The ideal Comfort Suites franchisee is a financially capable, hospitality-focused entrepreneur with strong management skills, a commitment to brand excellence, and a passion for providing exceptional guest experiences. Franchisees who align with these criteria are more likely to achieve profitability, maintain brand standards, and grow within the Choice Hotels portfolio.
| Financial Element | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $5,027,342 – $9,145,231 (excluding real estate acquisition costs) |
| Minimum Liquid Capital Required | $5,000,000 – $6,000,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $50,000 or $500 per room |
| Royalty Fees | Percentage of gross revenue (varies by agreement) |
| Marketing/Advertising Budget | Included in operational expenses; access to national campaigns |
| Infrastructure/Construction Cost | Included in total investment; depends on location and property size |
| Working Capital | Included in total investment; ensures smooth operational cash flow |
| Franchise Units (Existing) | Over 2,000 worldwide |
| Expected ROI | Varies by market location, management efficiency, and occupancy rates |
| Break-Even Time | Typically 3–5 years |
| Potential Revenue Streams | Room bookings, extended-stay bookings, food & beverage services, event hosting, ancillary services |
Notes for Investors:
Total investment includes pre-opening costs, property construction/renovation, equipment, furniture, and initial operating capital.
ROI and revenue potential depend on location, local demand, operational efficiency, and competitive positioning.
Franchisees gain access to Choice Hotels’ marketing programs, loyalty network (Choice Privileges), and operational support to maximize profitability.
