Travel isn’t always about luxury. Sometimes, it’s about the long road between cities, the late-night check-in after a delayed flight, or the family vacation where every dollar counts. It’s about needing a clean and reliable retreat from the road, where you can recharge without worrying about surprise fees or complicated check-in apps. In an industry full of flashy ads and overpromises, something is refreshing about a place that gets the basics right. Comfortable bed? Check. Hot shower? Definitely. Wi-Fi that actually works? Absolutely. Because for most of us, that’s what really matters.
Whether solo traveling, a pet parent, a business commuter, or someone trying to stretch their budget while still getting a good night’s sleep, you don’t need frills but familiarity. You need someone at the front desk who’s friendly, a room that feels like a pause button on the day, and a stay that doesn’t leave your wallet hurting. One brand has been mastering the balance of affordability and consistency for decades. No fuss, no pressure, just straightforward, dependable lodging that feels right no matter where the trip takes you. That’s the promise at the heart of every Red Roof location, and it’s why so many guests return repeatedly. You might not see it advertised in luxury magazines, but Red Roof has built a reputation where it counts—on the road.
Red Roof Inn was founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1973 and began with a simple goal: to give travelers a clean, comfortable place to stay at a price they could afford at just $8.50 a night. The idea came from Jim Trueman, a businessman and racing team owner who understood what people needed on the road. Over the years, that small idea grew into something much bigger, with more than 700 franchised properties across the United States as of 2025. After Trueman’s passing in 1986, his family ran the business for eight more years before selling it to the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund in 1994, where the brand began its change to modernity. After three years, the brand began franchising, starting with its first franchised location in Branson, Missouri, but soon the company was sold. In 1999, global hospitality company Accor purchased Red Roof, which had grown to 324 properties and 37,208 rooms. That $1.115 billion acquisition made Accor the third-largest hotel chain in the world by room count. By 2007, Red Roof changed hands again, going to Citigroup and partners for $1.3 billion. Some properties were converted into Motel 6 locations while transitioning as Accor focused on its Motel 6 brand in North America. In 2025, Red Roof is owned by Westmont Hospitality Group.
In 2013, Red Roof began its quest to improve the guest experience worldwide with a $150 million upgrade, modernizing the look and feel of the hotels. It rolled out its NextGen room design, adding thoughtful touches like wood-style floors, granite countertops, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. These comforts are the ones that matter most to everyday travellers. The company even took a model room on the road in a full-size truck to show off the changes during its 40th anniversary. By 2021, Red Roof’s franchising arm was established into a separate company, Red Roof Franchising, LLC, further refining the structure of Red Roof Inn. In July 2016, through a partnership with Nobile Hotels, Red Roof Inn moved into Japan with a location in Osaka’s Namba district, extending the company’s global reach. Plans were also laid to bring the brand to Thailand and Canada, starting with a site in Calgary. As of 2025, Red Roof operates two locations in Japan, Osaka and Kamata. The company launched The Red Collection in 2018, a soft brand offering upgraded stays in urban city centres like Springfield, Illinois, and New York City. The flagship location, The St. Clair Hotel on the Magnificent Mile, opened in 2018 in downtown Chicago. This was followed up with further expansion, including the buyout of the State House Inn in Springfield, Illinois, and Lord & Moris Times Square Hotel in New York City. In 2025, the Red Collection features the following locations: Admiralty Inn & Suites in East Falmouth, Massachusetts; Le Voyageur in Wildwood, New Jersey; SPOT X Hotel Orlando/Intl Dr in Orlando, Florida; and SPOT X Hotel Tampa Bay in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof was launched in 2018 and was created to meet the needs of longer-term guests seeking affordable and practical lodging. The brand evolved from previous iterations, Crossland Economy Studios and Home Towne Suites, and began with a phased rollout of over 30 properties across more than 20 U.S. markets, offering nearly 4,000 rooms. The chain quickly expanded because it emphasized convenience and extended-stay features. By 2021, it had grown to 54 locations, and as of 2025, it operates 80 properties nationwide, providing budget-friendly accommodations designed for comfort, with amenities like kitchenettes and on-site laundry to support longer-lasting visits.
Red Roof’s journey from a single budget motel in Columbus, Ohio, to a nationwide and international brand reflects its unwavering commitment to practical, guest-focused hospitality. In an industry where trends shift and competitors race for flashier features, Red Roof has stayed grounded in what truly matters—clean rooms, affordable prices, and reliable service. With expanding offerings like The Red Collection for urban travelers and HomeTowne Studios for extended stays, Red Roof continues to evolve without losing sight of its original promise. Whether you’re staying for a night or a month, across the country or the world, Red Roof proves that comfort, consistency, and affordability never go out of style.
