Why franchise a hotel: 5 best hotel franchises

What is a hotel franchise?

A hotel franchise is a business model where an independent hotel owner operates under the brand and management system of an established hotel chain. In exchange for fees, the franchisor provides access to brand recognition, marketing resources, reservation systems, and operational support.

Franchising a hotel offers a powerful way to grow your business, boost visibility, and leverage established brand support. Whether you’re an independent hotel owner looking to scale or a medium-sized chain operator exploring franchising, this guide will help you understand the key benefits, costs, and opportunities in hotel franchising.

What is the purpose of hotel franchising?

The purpose of franchising is to create a win-win situation for both the hotel owner and the franchisor. Owners benefit from established systems and brand credibility, while the franchisor expands its market presence without directly managing all properties.

In this blog we’ll outline everything you need to know about franchising a hotel, including examples.

Why is owning a hotel franchise better?

Owning a hotel franchise can offer a range of advantages over operating as an independent property. By joining a franchise, hotel owners can tap into proven systems and gain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining guests.

What are the benefits of a hotel franchise?

Joining a hotel franchise can offer significant advantages that help property owners attract more guests, streamline operations, and increase revenue. Here’s a look at some of the key benefits:

• Increased visibility through brand recognition: Being part of a well-known brand instantly boosts your hotel’s credibility and visibility in the market. Guests often trust familiar names when booking accommodation, and a strong franchise brand can draw bookings that might be harder to secure as an independent hotel. Your property benefits from the global reputation and marketing reach of the franchise.
• Access to loyalty programs: Many hotel franchises offer robust loyalty programs that encourage repeat bookings. These programs connect your property to a network of returning guests who prefer to stay within the brand. By leveraging these
  established programs, you can attract and retain a steady stream of loyal customers.
• Operational support and training: Franchisors typically provide comprehensive training programs and ongoing operational support. This includes resources like standard operating procedures (SOPs), staff training materials, and guidance on running a successful hotel. For new or less experienced operators, this support can be invaluable in improving efficiency and maintaining high service standards.
• Marketing and advertising power: Franchises handle large-scale marketing campaigns that your hotel automatically benefits from. Whether it’s digital ads, social media promotions, or television commercials, these campaigns help drive traffic to the franchise brand and, in turn, to your hotel.
• Group purchasing power: Franchises often negotiate bulk purchasing deals with suppliers, allowing you to save on everything from furnishings to cleaning products. This purchasing power helps reduce operating costs, enabling you to allocate resources to other areas of your business.
• Improved guest trust and satisfaction: Guests often expect a consistent experience across franchise properties. By aligning with the brand’s standards for quality and service, your hotel can meet guest expectations more effectively, leading to higher satisfaction and better reviews.
• Access to industry insights and benchmarking tools: Franchisors typically provide data-driven insights and benchmarking tools to help you analyse your hotel’s performance. This allows you to identify strengths, address weaknesses, and make informed decisions about pricing, services, and operations.

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Hotel franchise cost and other fees

Franchising involves costs that vary by brand and contract terms. These typically include:

• Initial franchise fees: Initial fees can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the brand’s reputation, market reach, and the property type. Budget brands like Motel 6 often have lower fees compared to luxury chains like Hilton or Marriott.
• Royalty fees: Royalty fees typically range from 4% to 6% of revenue and are paid regularly, often monthly or quarterly. These fees cover the cost of maintaining the brand’s infrastructure, such as reservation systems and operational support.
• Marketing contributions: These fees, usually a percentage of revenue, are used for brand-wide advertising campaigns, digital marketing initiatives, and loyalty program promotions. While marketing contributions ensure strong global visibility, it’s important to understand how these funds are utilised and the specific benefits your property receives.

Other fees may include reservation system fees, training and support fees, and property improvement plan costs (if you are converting an existing hotel into a franchised property and require upgrades to meet franchise requirements).

What are the most profitable hotel franchises?

Choosing a profitable hotel franchise is critical for ensuring a strong return on investment. Profitability often depends on factors like brand recognition, guest loyalty programs, operational support, and market demand. Here’s a closer look at three of the most profitable hotel franchises:

Marriott International

With over 30 brands under its umbrella, including luxury names like Ritz-Carlton and affordable options like Fairfield Inn, Marriott International offers unparalleled flexibility for franchisees.

Marriott’s Bonvoy loyalty program is one of the most extensive in the world, driving consistent guest loyalty. Marriott’s strong focus on technology, marketing, and operational training makes it a top choice for franchisees looking to maximise revenue.

Hilton Worldwide

Hilton has built a reputation for innovation and guest satisfaction across its portfolio of brands, which includes Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, and the iconic Waldorf Astoria.

Hilton’s Honors loyalty program connects franchisees with millions of repeat customers, and its robust digital tools make it easy to manage operations, bookings, and revenue. Franchisees also benefit from comprehensive training and ongoing support tailored to their market.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts

Wyndham caters to budget-friendly and midscale markets with brands like Super 8, Days Inn, and La Quinta. This makes it an ideal choice for owners of small to medium-sized hotels.

With a lower cost of entry compared to luxury brands, Wyndham provides reliable profitability through its efficient reservation systems and established reputation in key markets. Its Rewards loyalty program ensures repeat business, and its streamlined franchise model keeps operational costs manageable.

How to franchise a hotel: A step-by-step buyer’s guide

Franchising your hotel can feel like a complex process, but breaking it down into clear, actionable steps makes it more manageable. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the journey from research to joining a franchise successfully.

Assessing franchise costs and fees

The first step in franchising your hotel is understanding the costs involved. These typically include:

• Initial franchise fees: This one-time cost grants you access to the franchise’s brand, systems, and resources. Compare the fee across multiple franchises to find one that aligns with your budget and revenue potential.
• Royalty fees: Ongoing payments, often calculated as a percentage of revenue, support the franchisor’s operational systems and ongoing improvements. Consider how these fees will impact your profit margins.
• Marketing contributions: These fees fund the franchise’s collective marketing efforts. Ensure the brand has a proven record of effective campaigns that will benefit your property.

Budget carefully to ensure the projected revenue uplift will offset these costs and provide long-term profitability.

Negotiating favourable franchise contract

Franchise agreements are legally binding and often lengthy, so understanding the terms is critical. Focus on negotiating aspects like:

• Territory exclusivity: Ensure your franchise will have sufficient market protection to avoid competition with other properties under the same brand in your area.
• Termination clauses: Clarify conditions for ending the agreement early to avoid financial penalties if unforeseen circumstances arise.
• Performance metrics: Discuss realistic goals for revenue and occupancy. Aim to include flexibility if market conditions change.

Working with a legal or franchising expert can help you identify areas to negotiate and secure favourable terms.

Analysing franchise performance metrics

Research the franchise’s historical performance and success rates to evaluate its suitability for your property. Key metrics to review include:

• Average occupancy rates: Compare these figures with similar hotels in your market to ensure the franchise offers a competitive advantage.
• Revenue per available room (RevPAR): This metric reveals how effectively the franchise drives revenue across its properties.
• Guest satisfaction ratings: Consistently high ratings indicate strong brand loyalty and effective operational practices.

Look for data that demonstrates the franchise’s ability to increase profitability while maintaining guest satisfaction.

Understanding franchise agreement terms

Franchise agreements outline the rights and responsibilities of both parties. Pay attention to:

• Contract length: Most agreements last 10–20 years, so ensure you’re comfortable with this long-term commitment.
• Renewal conditions: Understand what’s required to renew the agreement and whether you’ll need to pay additional fees.
• Brand standards: Franchisors often require strict adherence to their brand guidelines. Assess whether these align with your property’s capabilities and goals.

Having a clear understanding of these terms will help you avoid surprises and maintain a positive relationship with the franchisor.

Considering multi-brand franchising strategies

If you own multiple properties, consider diversifying with different brands under one parent company. This approach allows you to:

• Target varied market segments: For instance, one property can cater to budget travellers while another focuses on luxury guests.
• Reduce risk: Diversifying across multiple brands reduces reliance on one market or demographic.
• Maximise market coverage: Multi-brand strategies help you capture a broader range of guests in your region.

Some franchisors, like Marriott or Wyndham, offer a portfolio of brands that make multi-brand franchising more accessible.

5 best hotel franchise opportunities

If you’re considering franchising, these five hotel brands are some of the best options available. They cater to a variety of property types and market segments, making it easier to find one that aligns with your business goals and target audience.

1. Motel 6

Motel 6 is a well-known budget-friendly franchise that appeals to cost-conscious travellers. It’s ideal for owners looking to attract a steady stream of guests without the need for extensive amenities or services. The franchise offers:

• Affordable franchise fees and operational costs, making it accessible for smaller properties.
• A strong, recognisable brand that draws travellers seeking affordable stays.
• Marketing and operational support to streamline guest acquisition and retention.

Motel 6 is a smart choice for hotel owners who want a straightforward, reliable model focused on affordability and simplicity.

2. Days Inn

Days Inn is a family-friendly brand under the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts umbrella. It’s known for providing consistent, comfortable accommodations at an affordable price point. Benefits include:

• A wide network of loyal customers thanks to Wyndham’s loyalty program.
• Access to reservation systems and marketing tools that simplify operations and boost visibility.
• Support for implementing modern design upgrades to stay competitive.

This franchise is a great fit for properties located near highways, airports, or family travel destinations.

3. Super 8

Super 8 is one of the largest economy hotel brands, catering to budget travellers who prioritise value over luxury. It’s a strong option for small hotel owners who want a trusted name with minimal operational complexity. Highlights include:

• Cost-effective franchise fees and royalty structures.
• A focus on efficient design and operations to maximise profitability.
• Global brand recognition, ensuring consistent occupancy across diverse markets.

Super 8’s simplicity and affordability make it an attractive option for first-time franchisees or those operating in highly competitive areas.

4. Extended Stay America

Extended Stay America focuses on longer-term stays, appealing to business travellers and guests on extended trips. This niche segment offers unique advantages, including:

• A stable revenue model based on extended bookings, reducing reliance on nightly turnover.
• Suites designed with kitchenettes and workspace areas, catering to modern traveller needs.
• Strong brand recognition among corporate and relocation clients.

This franchise is perfect for properties located near business districts, universities, or areas with high relocation activity.

5. Choice Hotels International

Choice Hotels International offers a diverse portfolio of brands, from economy to upscale, giving franchisees flexibility to find the right fit for their property. Notable benefits include:

• Access to one of the largest loyalty programs in the industry, Choice Privileges.
• Comprehensive support for marketing, distribution, and operational efficiency.
• A range of brand tiers, including Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, and upscale options like Cambria Hotels.

Choice Hotels is ideal for owners seeking scalability and the ability to cater to a variety of guest demographics.