Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently senior editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
FOUR PROPERTIES JOINED the hihotels by Hospitality International portfolio during the first quarter. The new additions are in Maryland, Oregon and Texas and are all conversions.
A former Econo Lodge turned Red Carpet Inn in College Park, Maryland, signed.
A former Rodeway Inn turned Scottish Inns in Ashland, Oregon, signed and activated.
A former Americas Best Value Inn turned Scottish Inns in DeSoto, Texas, activated.
A former Econo Lodge turned Scottish Inns & Suites in Spring, Texas, signed.
The five hihotels brands include Red Carpet Inn, Scottish Inns, Master Hosts Inns, Downtowner Inns and Passport Inn. Hospitality International said the brands’ franchising model includes customized support, advanced technology and overall value.
The new hotels join 18 properties throughout the U.S. added in 2020, most owned by Asian American hoteliers, as are the four added this year.
“When considering all my options for a new brand, I decided to go with Scottish Inns because of the personal and professional assistance they bring to the table,” said Ben Patel, owner of the Scottish Inns DeSoto. “Unlike many other brands, hihotels offers the services of a sales and marketing director who is on call for me at no additional cost. Their brand requirements are minimal and the ramp-up period was short, allowing me to transition without any hassle or operational disruption.”
Ketan Rama owns the Scottish Inns & Suites in Spring, Bharat Lad owns the Ashland Scottish Inns and Naginbhai Patel owns the Red Carpet Inn in College Park. More hoteliers are expressing interest in the brand, said Chris Guimbellot, hihotels president and CEO.
“We provide the tools to help hoteliers maximize their ROI potential, such as the ‘Assurance & Marketing Program’ that delivers ongoing sales and marketing support and training right to your door,” Guimbellot said.
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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