Vishnu Rageev R is a journalist with more than 15 years of experience in business journalism. Before joining Asian Media Group in 2022, he worked with BW Businessworld, IMAGES Group, exchange4media Group, DC Books, and Dhanam Publications in India. His coverage includes industry analysis, market trends and corporate developments, focusing on retail, real estate and hospitality. As a senior journalist with Asian Hospitality, he covers the U.S. hospitality industry. He is from Kerala, a state in South India.
GEORGE LIMBERT, RED Roof's president, has submitted his resignation and will step down from his position on July 12. Limbert has accepted an executive position outside of the hospitality industry to explore new interests, Red Roof said in a statement.
In the interim, Mohamed Thowfeek, a member of the Red Roof Board, will oversee the company's day-to-day operations on behalf of the Board as they commence an executive search.
“On behalf of the Board, we thank George for his extensive contributions to Red Roof over the past decade, first as general counsel and most recently as president,” said Thowfeek. “With support from the leadership team, he has successfully positioned the company for the future. Red Roof is well-positioned for long-term profitable growth. We have complete confidence in our senior management team, and we are positive that during this transition period, we will continue to deliver the highest quality experiences for both our franchisees and guests as we have historically done.”
A Red Roof Inn in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. (Photo Courtesy: iStock)
In 2023, Red Roof marks its 50th anniversary in the hotel industry while targeting a 60 percent year-over-year growth with the opening of 50 properties, including new builds and conversions. The company also achieved record revenue in 2022, with a 6.9 percent year-over-year increase.
Red Roof recently added four new properties across the country, including Red Roof Inn & Suites in Thomasville, GA; Red Roof Inn Kimball, TN – I-24; Red Roof Inn & Suites Duncan, SC; and Red Roof Inn in Greencastle South – Cloverdale, IN.
"Our model is proving highly effective, and the remarkable results in our business speak for themselves," Limbert said in April, during the announcement of the company's future plans. “Demand for the Red Roof brand is fueling growth as we continue to listen and evolve, improving the value proposition for guests as well as hotel owners and operators.”
“In the past two years, Red Roof has aggressively expanded in the high-demand extended stay category by opening eleven HomeTowne Studios properties, with ten more slated for 2023,” the company had said. “With the Red Roof brand nearing 700 properties systemwide, the company is introducing a new dual-branded prototype, combining Red Roof Inn and HomeTowne Studios on a single property. This dual brand brings increased flexibility and added value for both guests and franchise owners.”
In April, Lina Patel joined Red Roof as the director of strategic franchise initiatives, reporting to Matthew Hostetler, Red Roof's chief development officer.
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
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