What Are Some Alternatives to the Days Inn Franchise?

Get Full Bundle:

	Business Plan	$79	$49
	Financial Model	$99	$79
	Pitch Deck	$49	$29

TOTAL:

ADD TO CART

What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Days Inn Franchise

Considering alternatives to the Days Inn franchise? Exploring other lodging franchise opportunities can unlock diverse markets and investment potentials. Discover how different brands align with your business goals and financial strategy.

What Alternative Days Inn Franchise Unit Options Exist?

What are other hotel franchises like Days Inn?

When considering hotel franchise alternatives to a Days Inn franchise unit, several brands in the economy and lower-midscale segments stand out. These include options from Choice Hotels, such as Quality Inn and Econo Lodge, as well as brands from Best Western Hotels & Resorts. Additionally, other Wyndham brands like La Quinta and Microtel offer comparable price points for consumers, though they differ in brand identity, guest demographics, and fee structures.

As of year-end 2024, the U.S. economy hotel segment, a key area for brands like Days Inn, reported an average occupancy of 55.4% with an Average Daily Rate (ADR) of $85. In contrast, the midscale segment saw an occupancy of 60.1% and an ADR of $115. These figures highlight the varying revenue potentials investors might encounter. In a 2025 franchise opportunities comparison, these brands are direct competitors within the same travel segment.

Brand strength is a significant factor for prospective hotel owners. As of Q1 2025, Wyndham's expansive portfolio, which includes Days Inn, boasts over 9,200 hotels globally. Choice Hotels operates more than 7,500 hotels, while Best Western has approximately 4,300 properties. This data illustrates the differing levels of global reach and brand recognition available to franchisees.

What are Days Inn franchise competitors?

The primary competitors to a Days Inn franchise unit include Quality Inn by Choice Hotels, Best Western, and Super 8 by Wyndham. These brands actively appeal to budget-conscious travelers and represent substantial hotel investment options, often vying for the same roadside, suburban, and secondary market locations.

Market share data from 2024 reveals that within the U.S. economy segment, Wyndham's brands collectively account for about 25% of the room supply. Choice Hotels' brands hold approximately 22%. This level of direct competition can influence local market saturation and impact potential Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR).

When examining competitor performance benchmarks for 2025, Quality Inn often demonstrates a RevPAR index that is slightly higher than Days Inn in many suburban markets, typically by 2-4 points. This enhanced performance is often attributed to a stronger appeal to business travelers, making it a crucial competitor to analyze when choosing a hotel franchise. For a deeper dive into the financial aspects of a Days Inn franchise, explore What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Days Inn Franchise?

What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?

How much do hotel franchise alternatives cost?

Exploring hotel franchise alternatives reveals a wide spectrum of investment levels. For instance, a new-build, 80-room Microtel by Wyndham was projected to cost between $5.4 million and $7.9 million in 2025. This contrasts sharply with converting an existing property to a Quality Inn, where costs can range from $300,000 to over $18 million, heavily dependent on the property's current condition and required upgrades.

The initial franchise fee is a significant factor in the upfront capital needed. While a Days Inn Franchise Unit has an initial fee of approximately $35,000, opting for a Best Western membership in 2025 comes with an initial fee of $60,000, and a Quality Inn franchise fee is around $50,000. These figures directly influence the initial financial outlay for potential franchisees.

When considering hotel brands for franchise investment, it's crucial to factor in Property Improvement Plan (PIP) costs, especially for conversions. Rebranding a hotel to a newer brand like Tru by Hilton might necessitate a PIP ranging from $1.5 million to $3 million to align with its modern brand standards. This is substantially higher than the estimated $250,000 to $750,000 PIP typically required for a Days Inn conversion in 2025.

Are there hotel franchise brands with lower fees?

Yes, there are certainly hotel franchise brands with lower fee structures, particularly those operating under membership or soft-brand models. Best Western, for example, utilizes a membership model that replaces a percentage-based royalty fee with annual dues. For a 100-room property in 2025, these dues could average between $50,000 and $70,000 annually. This often proves more cost-effective than Days Inn's combined fees, which can exceed 10% of gross room revenue (GRR).

Consider a typical Days Inn Franchise Unit generating $1.5 million in annual room revenue. The ongoing fees, including royalty, marketing, and system fees, would amount to approximately $157,500 (at 10.5% of GRR). A comparable property operating under the Best Western model could potentially save over $80,000 annually in fees, a substantial difference that significantly impacts the hotel franchise ROI comparison.

For independent hotel owners looking to franchise with potentially more favorable fee structures, exploring smaller, regional brands or soft-brand collections, such as Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels, is a wise move. These models typically feature a lower royalty percentage, often in the range of 4-5% of GRR, and offer more flexible brand standards. However, it's important to note that they might provide less extensive national marketing support compared to major brands like Days Inn.

When comparing franchise opportunities, understanding the nuances of each brand's fee structure and investment requirements is paramount. For those considering alternatives to the Days Inn franchise, exploring options like Best Western or Quality Inn presents different financial profiles. For instance, while a Days Inn franchise fee is around $35,000, Best Western's membership fee is $60,000 as of 2025. This difference in upfront cost is a critical consideration in any franchise opportunities comparison.

Furthermore, the ongoing financial commitments can vary significantly. A Days Inn franchise typically involves royalty and marketing fees that can add up. In contrast, alternative hotel franchises might offer different fee structures. For example, some may have lower royalty rates or different marketing fund contributions. This is why a detailed hotel franchise ROI comparison is essential for making an informed decision about which hotel brand to invest in.

For those looking at hotel investment options, particularly those aiming to franchise a hotel instead of Days Inn, understanding the long-term financial implications is key. For example, the potential savings in ongoing fees with a brand like Best Western can be substantial. As mentioned, a 100-room property could save over $80,000 annually in fees compared to a Days Inn franchise with similar revenue. This highlights the importance of a thorough franchise opportunities comparison for new owners.

When evaluating new hotel brands or alternative hotel franchises, it's also important to consider the scale of investment. A new build can represent a significantly larger capital commitment than converting an existing property. For example, a new Microtel by Wyndham can cost millions, whereas a conversion might fall into the hundreds of thousands or low millions, depending on the property's condition. This is a critical factor in how to choose a hotel franchise that aligns with your financial capacity.

For independent hotel owners seeking to franchise, exploring options like the Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels can offer a pathway with potentially lower royalty percentages, often around 4-5% of GRR. This approach provides a middle ground for owners who want the benefits of a franchise system without the higher fees associated with some major brands. This is a key aspect to consider when looking at hotel brands for franchise investment.

Ultimately, understanding the pros and cons of each option is vital. For a deeper dive into the specifics of a particular brand, resources like What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Days Inn Franchise? can offer valuable insights. This allows for a more comprehensive franchise opportunities comparison, ensuring that the chosen path aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

How To Choose A Hotel Franchise?

What are key hotel franchise agreement considerations?

When evaluating hotel franchise opportunities, understanding the franchise agreement is paramount. A primary consideration is the term length and renewal conditions. Most franchise agreements, including those for a Days Inn Franchise Unit, are typically for 15 to 20 years. As of 2025, a key negotiating point is the window for termination without cause; while rarely offered, it can provide significant flexibility. Be aware that liquidated damages for early termination can often exceed $2,000-$3,000 per guest room.

Another critical point is the territory or area of protection (AOP). A 2025 Days Inn agreement might offer an AOP of a 3-mile radius or a specific population count, like 30,000 people. It's crucial to compare this with alternative hotel franchises; for instance, some new hotel brands in less saturated markets might offer a larger AOP of up to 5 miles to incentivize development.

Furthermore, fee structures and their potential for escalation must be scrutinized. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) for a Days Inn Franchise Unit outlines a 5.5% royalty fee and a 3% marketing fee. Franchisees should model how a potential 0.5% increase in these fees over the agreement term, a common contractual allowance, would impact their 15-year pro forma. For more detailed information on initial costs, you can explore How Much Does a Days Inn Franchise Cost?

How do I compare hotel franchise opportunities?

To effectively compare hotel franchise opportunities, create a standardized financial model projecting performance over at least 10 years. Input brand-specific data from 2025 FDDs, including all fees (initial, royalty, marketing, reservation), estimated PIP costs, and brand-provided RevPAR performance data for comparable markets. This rigorous approach ensures you're comparing apples to apples across different hotel brand alternatives.

Analyze brand contribution and guest loyalty programs. As of year-end 2024, Wyndham Rewards had over 106 million members, driving a significant portion of bookings to its hotels. Compare this to Hilton Honors (over 180 million members) or Choice Privileges (over 65 million members) to assess the potential for fee-efficient, direct bookings versus costly Online Travel Agency (OTA) bookings. Understanding these loyalty programs is key to comparing hotel franchise opportunities.

Evaluate the brand's pipeline and development strategy. A brand like Tru by Hilton has a robust pipeline of over 250 hotels as of 2025, indicating strong growth and increasing brand awareness. In contrast, a legacy brand may have a slower growth rate but offers stability and widespread recognition, a key factor in any franchise opportunities comparison. When considering hotel investment options, a strong development pipeline often signals future success.

When exploring hotel franchise alternatives, it's essential to look beyond just the initial investment. The average initial investment for a franchise can range significantly, from as low as $196,873 to as high as $6,907,975, with a typical initial franchise fee of $35,000. Considering the median annual revenue per unit of $1,962,920 against these investments helps in understanding potential return on investment (ROI). For instance, the average P&L shows an EBITDA of approximately 43.34% of revenue, which is a crucial metric for evaluating profitability.

It’s also important to consider the operational costs. The average running expenses can be substantial, with marketing, reservation, and loyalty programs alone accounting for around $524,000 annually. By comparing these figures across different hotel brand alternatives, you can make a more informed decision about which franchise opportunities are best suited for your investment goals.

Alternative Franchise Chain: La Quinta By Wyndham

Is La Quinta a good hotel franchise alternative?

When exploring hotel franchise alternatives to Days Inn, La Quinta by Wyndham presents a compelling option, particularly for those eyeing the midscale segment. It's positioned a tier above economy brands, and projections for 2025 suggest its Average Daily Rate (ADR) could be 15-20% higher than Days Inn, potentially averaging around $118. This can translate into a more robust gross revenue potential for your investment.

La Quinta is well-regarded for its 'Del Sol' prototype, a design that's seen significant popularity for new construction projects. For context, the estimated all-in cost for a new 90-room La Quinta in 2025 is projected to fall between $8.5 million and $12 million. This figure reflects its higher quality positioning compared to an economy-level Days Inn Franchise Unit.

As a brand under the Wyndham umbrella, La Quinta franchisees gain access to the same extensive distribution network and the highly effective Wyndham Rewards loyalty program. However, it's important to note the fee structure: the royalty fee typically stands at 5.5% of Gross Room Revenue (GRR), with total ongoing fees potentially reaching around 11.5%. This is slightly higher than Days Inn, a key consideration when performing a hotel franchise ROI comparison.

What is La Quinta's market position?

La Quinta has carved out a strong niche in the upper-midscale market, consistently earning high marks in guest satisfaction for its appealing amenities, such as complimentary breakfast and pet-friendly policies. As of 2024, the brand boasts over 900 properties across North America, demonstrating its significant market presence.

For owners looking to rebrand an existing hotel to a new franchise, La Quinta is a prime candidate. The estimated cost for a conversion PIP (Property Improvement Plan) for a La Quinta in 2025 is typically between $400,000 and $2 million. These investments primarily focus on modernizing lobbies and guest rooms to align with the contemporary 'Del Sol' aesthetic.

The brand's Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) index frequently surpasses the average for the upper-midscale segment. In 2024, La Quinta's system-wide RevPAR was approximately $65, which is about 8% higher than the segment's average. This performance makes it a standout among hotel franchises for new owners seeking strong operational results.

When comparing franchise opportunities, understanding these nuances is crucial for making an informed decision that aligns with your investment goals and risk tolerance. For those interested in the specifics of establishing a Days Inn, resources like How to Start a Days Inn Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist can provide a foundational understanding.

Alternative Franchise Chain: Quality Inn By Choice Hotels

When exploring hotel franchise opportunities, considering alternatives to brands like Days Inn is crucial for optimizing your investment. Quality Inn, a Choice Hotels brand, presents a compelling option within the midscale segment, directly competing with Days Inn but often commanding a slightly higher Average Daily Rate (ADR).

Why consider a Quality Inn franchise?

Quality Inn stands out as a strong hotel franchise alternative. For a 100-room property, the initial franchise fee in 2025 is set at $50,000. A significant advantage for independent hotel owners looking to franchise an existing property is Quality Inn's more flexible property requirements compared to newer, prototype-driven brands. The estimated conversion Post-Investment Property (PIP) costs for 2025 are quite manageable, averaging between $2,000 and $6,000 per room. Furthermore, Choice Hotels backs its franchisees with robust support systems. The Choice Privileges loyalty program, boasting over 65 million members as of 2024, is a powerful asset, frequently driving over 50% of room nights in many locations, which directly translates to increased occupancy rates for franchisees.

How do Quality Inn's fees and performance compare?

A key factor in any hotel franchise ROI comparison is the fee structure. Quality Inn's ongoing fees for 2025 include a royalty fee of 5.0% of Gross Room Revenue (GRR) and a system fee (covering marketing and reservations) of 3.25%, totaling 8.25%. This is notably lower than the combined fees of over 10.5% often associated with a Days Inn franchise unit, leading to a direct improvement in net operating income. For a property generating $15 million in room revenue, this lower fee structure can yield annual savings exceeding $30,000. The brand's 2024 RevPAR was approximately $54, positioning it competitively among leading economy and midscale brands. With over 1,600 Quality Inn locations across the US as of Q1 2025, the brand benefits from substantial market penetration and recognition, which are critical when you compare hotel franchise opportunities.

When evaluating hotel franchise opportunities, understanding the nuances of each brand's fee structure and support systems is paramount. Quality Inn offers a strong value proposition for those seeking effective hotel brand alternatives.

Alternative Franchise Chain: Best Western Hotels & Resorts

When exploring hotel franchise alternatives to brands like Days Inn, it's essential to consider models that offer a different approach to ownership and fees. Best Western Hotels & Resorts stands out in this regard.

Why is Best Western a unique hotel investment option?

Best Western operates under a unique non-profit membership model, which significantly differentiates it from traditional franchise structures. Instead of paying a percentage-based royalty fee, owners contribute annual dues and fees. These funds are then directly reinvested into critical areas such as marketing, operational support, and technology advancements that benefit all member hotels. This structure is one of the most distinctive alternative hotel franchise models available.

For 2025, the fee structure for a standard Best Western membership includes an initial membership fee of $60,000. Annual dues typically range from $35,000 to $45,000, with marketing and reservation fees also being fixed amounts rather than tied to revenue. For a high-revenue property, this can translate to total annual fees that are potentially 40-50% lower than those of a conventional franchise. This fee structure is a significant factor when conducting a franchise opportunities comparison.

Furthermore, this model empowers owners with greater control and a voice in shaping the company's strategic direction. It's particularly appealing for experienced independent hotel owners who wish to gain the benefits of a large brand system while retaining a degree of autonomy that isn't typically found in standard hotel franchise agreement considerations.

What are the requirements for a Best Western?

Best Western maintains rigorous quality standards, ensuring all its properties meet specific brand benchmarks through regular inspections. For a conversion in 2025, a Property Improvement Plan (PIP) is mandatory to align with brand standards. The investment for a PIP can vary widely, ranging from $200,000 to over $1 million, depending on the hotel's current condition and the chosen brand tier, such as Best Western, Best Western Plus, or a soft-brand option.

The brand offers a diverse portfolio, encompassing the midscale core Best Western brand, the upper-midscale Best Western Plus, and the boutique GLo brand. This variety allows for investment in multiple hotel brands under a single umbrella, catering to different market segments and guest preferences. This breadth makes it a strong contender among hotel brand alternatives.

With a global network of approximately 4,300 hotels and a robust loyalty program, Best Western Rewards, the brand provides significant brand recognition comparable to major franchise systems. As of 2024, its loyalty program was a crucial driver for bookings, accounting for over 45% of reservations. This strong customer base is a key advantage when comparing hotel franchise opportunities.

Exploring alternative hotel franchises like Best Western provides a valuable perspective when comparing franchise opportunities. Their membership model and focus on reinvesting fees back into the system offer a distinct advantage for owners seeking efficiency and control. For those considering franchising a hotel instead of Days Inn, understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision. This comparison highlights how different hotel franchise models cater to varied owner needs and investment strategies.

Alternative Franchise Chain: Microtel by Wyndham

Is Microtel a good option for new construction?

For entrepreneurs focused on new construction, Microtel by Wyndham stands out as a prime hotel franchise alternative. It's recognized for its award-winning, cost-efficient prototype. This design prioritizes operational efficiency, with an estimated 2025 construction cost per key that is 10-15% lower than other midscale new builds. The average cost is approximately $80,000 per key, not including land.

As a brand exclusively built from the ground up, Microtel offers a modern and uniform guest experience. This consistency is a key factor in its high guest satisfaction scores. Consequently, it often achieves a RevPAR index that surpasses 110% of its competitive set within the economy segment.

The projected total investment for an 84-room prototype in 2025 ranges between $5.4 million and $7.9 million. Its efficient footprint also allows for development on smaller land parcels, requiring as little as 1.5 acres, which helps reduce land acquisition expenses.

How does Microtel compare to a Days Inn Franchise Unit?

Microtel is positioned in the upper-economy segment, offering a more contemporary and consistent product compared to the often older, converted properties found within the Days Inn portfolio. This makes it an attractive hotel brand alternative for developers aiming to attract travelers who value newness and modern amenities.

While both are part of the Wyndham umbrella, Microtel's 2025 fee structure is comparable to Days Inn. The royalty fee is 5.5%, with total fees hovering around 10% of gross room revenue (GRR). The primary distinctions lie in the product offering and the target demographic, rather than the ongoing franchise costs.

Finding a Microtel franchise opportunity for sale can be less common than a Days Inn, given Microtel's history as an all-new-build brand. However, its strong performance metrics and operational efficiency make it a highly sought-after asset when available. For a deeper dive into the financial aspects of Days Inn, explore How Much Does a Days Inn Franchise Owner Make?

Alternative Franchise Chain: Tru By Hilton

When considering alternatives to established hotel franchises, it's important to look at brands that are not only growing but also innovating. Tru by Hilton has emerged as a significant player in this space, offering a fresh approach to the midscale hotel market. This brand is designed to attract a wide range of travelers by focusing on modern aesthetics, communal spaces, and streamlined guest rooms.

Why is Tru by Hilton a popular new hotel brand?

Tru by Hilton has rapidly become one of the fastest-growing hotel brands in history. Its popularity stems from a 'back-to-basics' philosophy that emphasizes modern design, spacious lobbies, and efficiently sized guest rooms. This strategy appeals to a broad demographic. In 2025, operational efficiencies, particularly in its simplified food and beverage offering like the 'Top It' breakfast bar, are projected to reduce labor costs by an estimated 5-8% as a percentage of revenue compared to more traditional midscale hotels with extensive services. As of the first quarter of 2025, the brand boasts over 250 open hotels, with an additional 250+ in its development pipeline. This substantial growth and increasing consumer recognition make it a highly attractive option for developers looking for prime hotel franchise opportunities.

What is the investment and ROI potential for Tru?

Investing in a new-build, 98-room Tru by Hilton hotel in 2025 typically ranges between $9.5 million and $13.5 million. This higher investment reflects the brand's positioning within the premium midscale segment and Hilton's rigorous quality standards. Despite the significant initial capital requirement, the return on investment (ROI) potential is compelling. Tru hotels consistently achieve strong RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room). In 2024, many properties reported a RevPAR index exceeding 120 against their competitive sets, largely driven by the powerful Hilton Honors loyalty program, which has over 180 million members. For 2025, ongoing fees include a 5.5% royalty fee and a 4% program fee, totaling 9.5% of gross revenue. While this percentage is substantial, the higher Average Daily Rate (ADR), averaging over $125 in 2025, and strong occupancy rates facilitated by the Hilton network often justify the cost for investors aiming for a premium midscale asset. This makes it a strong contender in franchise opportunities comparison.

When comparing hotel franchise opportunities, Tru by Hilton stands out as a modern choice with robust growth potential. For those exploring alternative hotel franchises, understanding the investment levels and performance metrics is crucial. For a deeper dive into specific franchise agreements and operational requirements, it's always wise to conduct thorough due diligence. If you're considering options similar to Days Inn, exploring brands like Tru by Hilton offers a different market segment and growth trajectory. To understand more about the specific brand you're considering, you can look into What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Days Inn Franchise? for a comparative perspective.