Suburban vs Centerstone Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Suburban vs Centerstone including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
Suburban Franchise
Centerstone Franchise
Investment $149,175 - $8,513,044$47,149 - $8,728,147
Franchise Fee $30,000$17,000
Royalty Fee 4%2%
Advertising Fee -2%
Year Founded 19862012
Year Franchised 19892012
Term Of Agreement 10 yearsas low as 3 years
Term Of Agreement 10 yearsas low as 3 years
Renewal Fee $30K or $225/room-


Business Experience Requirements

 
Suburban Franchise
Centerstone Franchise
Experience
  • General business experience
  • -

    Financing Options

     
    Suburban Franchise
    Centerstone Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/No-/-
    Equipment No/No-/-
    Inventory No/No-/-
    Receivables No/No-/-
    Payroll No/No-/-

    Training & Support

     
    Suburban Franchise
    Centerstone Franchise
    Training --
    Support Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
    Operations 80% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 10

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    -

    Expansion Plans

     
    Suburban Franchise
    Centerstone Franchise
    US Expansion Yes-
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion No-

    Company Overviews

    About Suburban

    Suburban Extended Stay Hotel is Choice Hotels International's economy brand in one of the most desirable hotel segments today-extended stay. Suburban provides a simple solution for longer-term housing that's as pleasant as it is affordable. Value-conscious guests looking to stay for a day, a week, a month or longer enjoy just the right hotel amenities including well-equipped kitchens in all the rooms, weekly housekeeping, guest laundry, free cable TV and high speed Internet service. The flexible floor plan concept allows for conversions, easily adopting local market-driven design, guest room mix and suitable extended stay guest room features, along with an optional fitness center, meeting space or swimming pool.

    In 2015, Suburban brand hotels received an average of 63.6% of gross room revenue through the Choice Hotels Central Reservations System (CRS) and other Choice Hotels marketing channels.

    Suburban Extended Stay Hotel franchise is supported by a nationwide team of Area Directors (AD's) who provide local market assessments, pricing and rate structure support, and operational training. Dedicated, Extended Stay sales training provides the skills necessary to compete effectively in the local market. This support makes sure your hotel adheres to the extended stay business model for optimal performance.

    About Centerstone

    At Centerstone we offer 3 concepts: Centerstone Inns & Suites Centerstone Inns are an economy based product that represents exceptional value to its guests. A typical Centerstone Inn would have a minimum of two diamond/star like quality. Typically, it does not include a restaurant and bar and has an average size of 75 rooms. A Centerstone Inns & Suites is basically the same as a Centerstone Inns with 20% or more of its inventory being suites, versus standard guest rooms. Centerstone Hotel A Centerstone Hotel is typically a minimum of three diamond/star like quality that competes in the mid market and brings exceptional value to its customers. Most Centerstone Hotels are full service and provide a restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms and other related services. Waivers are available for restaurants providing a free breakfast buffet is offered. A typical Centerstone Hotel is interior corridor and mid-rise to high-rise with approximately 125 rooms or more. Centerstone Plaza Hotel A Centerstone Plaza Hotel is typically a four diamond/star like quality product that has an immediate wow factor and competes in the high end of the mid tier sector. A Centerstone Plaza Hotel is designed for the more discriminating value conscious traveler. Typically these properties are 150 rooms or larger, full service with restaurant/bar, meeting facilities, swimming pool, health club and other elevated brand standards and service amenities that make this product a true four diamond/star like experience. Franchise Terms Application Fee: $2,000 Initial Fee: $12,000 Royalty & Marketing Fees: 3% Gross Room Revenue Annual Conference Fee: $499 The Centerstone brand offers one of the lowest fee structures in the industry. With an initial fee of only $12,000, franchisees can have short-term agreements as low as 36 months. Combined marketing and royalty is only 3%. Everything mentioned above is coupled with a cutting-edge reservation system, strong consumer marketing programs, and a commitment of fairness and understanding which makes Centerstone one of best choices in franchising today. Welcome to a true, “franchise-friendly”, brand.

    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Centerstone Lodging Facility franchised business is between $3,482,149 and $8,728,147 for a newly constructed hotel. This includes between $42,999 and $67,997 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates.
    The total investment necessary to begin operation of a Centerstone Lodging Facility franchised business conversion of an existing hotel is between $47,149 and $1,648,147. This includes between $35,999 and $67,997 that must be paid to the franchisor or its affiliates(s).