G6 HOSPITALITY, THE parent of Studio 6 and Motel 6 brands, is disengaging from AAHOA. Instead, G6 is expanding its connection to the American Hotel & Lodging Association and regional associations focused “on practical owner issues such as insurance costs, local regulation, labor availability and safety initiatives.”
In a letter to franchisees, G6 CEO Sonal Sinha said the company, parent of the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands, had “maintained a constructive relationship” with AAHOA over the years. However, a recent review of the relationship found that their interests were no longer aligned.
“Following ongoing discussions, we have decided to step back from our current level of engagement with AAHOA at this time,” Sinha said. “We have been open in our conversations and remain respectful of AAHOA and its leadership. However, we believe that, at present, we can better serve franchise owners by directing our resources and advocacy toward organizations that are more closely aligned with the operating realities of economy and extended-stay lodging.”
AAHOA did not respond to requests for comment in time for this story.
New focus moving forward
OYO finished its purchase of G6 in December 2024 for $525 million from Blackstone Real Estate. The company also restructured G6’s leadership, bringing on Sinha and other new executives. Sinha and PRISM founder and Group CEO Ritesh Agarwal attended the 2025 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show in New Orleans where they met with other business leaders and more than 300 of their franchisees, and Agarwal spoke on the View from the Top panel.
Sinha said G6 would continue to advocate for its owners. It also plans to expand its owner forums and advisory councils.
“Importantly, this change does not affect your ability to individually participate in AAHOA or any other association, and we respect and support the associations our owners choose to engage with,” Sinha said. “We also remain open to future collaboration with AAHOA should alignment improve.”
