- Hihotels reports 97 percent franchisee retention.
- 89 percent of owners stay 5+ years, 42 percent 20+ years.
- Launched “The Legacy Circle” to honor 40-year partners.
HIHOTELS BY HOSPITALITY International reported a 97 percent franchisee retention rate. The company launched “The Legacy Circle” platform to recognize partners who have stayed with the brand up to 40 years.
Although the standard initial contract is five years, most hihotels owners remain long-term, defying the industry trend of frequent brand switching, hihotels said in a statement. The Legacy Circle will be introduced at the 2026 AAHOA Convention & Trade Show from April 8 to 10 in Philadelphia. Milestone plaques will be presented to attending franchisees, with a system-wide rollout beginning in May.
“In the hospitality industry, a 97 percent retention rate isn’t just a statistic; it’s a vote of confidence,” said Chris Guimbellot, hihotels president and CEO. “The Legacy Circle represents a partnership built on trust and performance. Our owners stay because we address their needs and focus on their bottom line.”
Among its owners, 89 percent have stayed five or more years, 42 percent 20 or more years and 18 percent 30 or more years with the brand, the statement said.
Amit Patel, second-generation co-owner of the Red Carpet Inn & Suites in Rochester, Minnesota and member of the hihotels advisory council, said they are approaching 40 years with hihotels, marking a milestone in their partnership and business growth.
“This dependability has been vital to our success,” he added.
The Legacy Circle provides custom plaques for lobby display, placement in consumer marketing and industry newsletters and recognition at hihotels Regional Conferences to share insights, hihotels said.
Hihotels offers five brands—Scottish Inns, Red Carpet Inn, Master Hosts Inns, Downtowner Inns and Passport Inn—with low fees, transparent operations and direct access to leadership. Its model focuses on support, technology and franchisee retention.
Guimbellot will attend AAHOACON 2026 to discuss key factors driving franchisee retention and hihotels’ 3Rs approach: Relationships, Retention, Recognition.
In February, hihotels added three conversion properties in Louisiana, Texas and New Jersey through franchisee referrals.
