America's Best Inns & Suites vs Econo Lodge Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of America's Best Inns & Suites vs Econo Lodge including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees

 
America's Best Inns & Suites Franchise
Econo Lodge Franchise
Investment $109,250 - $5,836,500$208,275 - $938,645
Franchise Fee $15,000$25,000
Royalty Fee 17.50 -$22.50/room/mo.4.5%
Advertising Fee -3.5%
Year Founded 1970-
Year Franchised 1982-
Term Of Agreement -20 years
Term Of Agreement -20 years
Renewal Fee 50% of then-current fran. fee-


Business Experience Requirements

 
America's Best Inns & Suites Franchise
Econo Lodge Franchise
Experience --

Financing Options

 
America's Best Inns & Suites Franchise
Econo Lodge 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

 
America's Best Inns & Suites Franchise
Econo Lodge 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, National media, Regional advertising-
Operations

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 6 - 12

Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed.

-

Expansion Plans

 
America's Best Inns & Suites Franchise
Econo Lodge Franchise
US Expansion --
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion No-

Company Overviews

About America's Best Inns & Suites

America's Best Inns & Suites is a high quality mid-level limited service hotel brand with locations throughout the United States. With 102 hotels open and 5 under development as of September 1, 2004, America's Best Inns & Suites continues to expand around the country. America's Best Inns & Suites is primarily a conversion brand for existing hotel owners looking for a better way to do business. America's Best Inns & Suites offers a solution to independent hotel owners looking for a franchise brand or for current franchise hotel owners looking to reposition their property in the market place. Multi-unit operators disenchanted with the direction of their current brand should also consider America's Best Inns & Suites, subject to the requirements of their existing franchise agreement. US Franchise Systems, franchisor for the brand, is a recognized leader in the hotel industry, with 3 growing hotel brands and a reputation for treating our franchisees fairly. Noted for our strong relationships with and support for our franchisees, US Franchise Systems was founded on the principle that franchisees are our partners and they are in business for themselves, not by themselves.

About Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge hotels provide a great stay and a great value for business and leisure travelers. Free wireless hotspots Complimentary Breakfast by Econo Lodge Free USA Today weekdays.

The total investment necessary to convert an existing hotel and begin operation of a 63-room ECONO LODGE hotel franchise is between $208,275 and $938,645. This includes an affiliation fee of $250 per room for new franchises, $500 per room for transfers and renewals ($25,000 minimum for new franchises, $30,000 for transfers and renewals); a brand activation fee of approximately $8,000 to $17,000; and orientation and hospitality training fees of between $0 and $3,145 per person, all of which are paid to the Franchisor or its affiliates. These sums do not include the cost of any real estate taxes.