What Are Some Alternatives to the Super 8 Franchise?

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What Are Alternative Franchise Chains to Super 8 Franchise


Considering alternatives to a Super 8 franchise? If you're looking for lodging opportunities beyond the established economy hotel model, exploring other franchise options can lead to significant growth. Discover a range of hospitality brands that might better align with your investment goals and market vision.

What Are Some Alternatives to the Super 8 Franchise?
# Alternative Franchise Chain Name Description
1 Econo Lodge

Econo Lodge, part of Choice Hotels, is a strong budget choice, particularly for conversions, offering solid brand recognition and lower initial investment.

Its 'Easy Stop on the Road' positioning appeals to transient and leisure travelers, supported by Choice Hotels' robust reservation system.

2 Red Roof Inn

Red Roof Inn benefits from a high percentage of direct bookings via its loyalty program and website, reducing reliance on third-party OTAs.

With modern prototypes and a strong domestic focus, it's an attractive roadside motel franchise for investors.

3 America's Best Value Inn

America's Best Value Inn (ABVI) offers a unique owner-operator-centric model, allowing franchisees significant input on brand direction and policies.

It's one of the lowest-cost hotel franchises, featuring flexible, short-term contracts and low flat fees, providing national recognition without high costs.





Key Takeaways

  • Super 8 is an economy hotel franchise with competitors like Motel 6, Days Inn, Econo Lodge, Red Roof Inn, and America's Best Value Inn, all targeting value-conscious travelers.
  • The total initial investment for a new Super 8 property can range from $4.5 million to $7.8 million, with conversions being significantly less expensive.
  • America's Best Value Inn is noted as a potentially cheaper alternative due to its lower initial franchise fee and flexible, flat-fee structure compared to Super 8's percentage-based fees.
  • While Super 8 offers massive brand recognition within the Wyndham portfolio, other Wyndham brands like Days Inn may have slightly higher ADRs and benefit from a stronger loyalty program.
  • Competitors like Econo Lodge and Red Roof Inn offer lower total fee structures (royalty, marketing, reservation) than Super 8, potentially saving franchisees money annually.


What Alternative Super 8 Franchise Unit Options Exist?

What other hotel chains are like Super 8?

  • When considering super 8 franchise alternatives, several economy hotel franchise opportunities exist that cater to a similar demographic of value-conscious travelers. Brands like Motel 6, Days Inn, Econo Lodge, Red Roof Inn, and America's Best Value Inn are direct competitors in the budget lodging and roadside hotel franchise segment. As of early 2025, these brands continue to focus on providing essential amenities and convenient locations near major travel routes. The average daily rate (ADR) for the US economy hotel segment is projected to be around $85-$90 in 2025, a range where these alternative hotel franchises typically operate.
  • These economy hotel franchise opportunities offer comparable service levels, typically including complimentary Wi-Fi and essential conveniences without the extensive amenities found in higher-tier hotels. They are designed for travelers prioritizing affordability and accessibility. For those exploring what other hotel chains are like Super 8, understanding their market positioning is key.

How to find hotel franchises similar to Super 8?

  • To identify hotel franchises similar to Super 8, it's beneficial to research the portfolios of major hospitality parent companies. For example, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the franchisor of Super 8, also owns Days Inn, offering a direct comparison within the same corporate umbrella. Other prominent groups include Choice Hotels International, which manages brands like Econo Lodge, and G6 Hospitality, known for Motel 6. RLH Corporation offers brands such as America's Best Value Inn. These affiliations provide a clear view of the landscape for budget hotel franchising.
  • Entrepreneurs looking for alternative lodging franchises for sale can effectively utilize online franchise portals and attend hospitality industry trade shows scheduled for 2025. These platforms are invaluable for accessing detailed Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs). The FDDs provide crucial information on initial investment ranges, franchise fees, royalty structures, and franchisee responsibilities, enabling a thorough franchise comparison hotels. This due diligence is essential for identifying the best budget hotel franchises to invest in 2024 and beyond. Understanding the nuances of each brand, such as the pros and cons of Super 8 vs other franchises, is a critical step in the decision-making process. For a deeper dive, explore What are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Super 8 Franchise?

Key Considerations When Comparing Hotel Franchises:

  • Investment Range: While Super 8's initial investment can range from $231,769 to $4,667,834, understanding the lower end of this spectrum is crucial for identifying potentially cheaper hotel franchises than Super 8.
  • Royalty and Fees: Compare the royalty fees (Super 8's is 5.5%) and marketing fees (Super 8's is 3%) against other brands to assess ongoing costs.
  • Revenue Potential: Review average annual revenue per unit figures; Super 8's average is $486,042, but median figures can vary significantly.
  • Brand Recognition: Consider the strength of brand recognition for each roadside hotel franchise, as this impacts customer acquisition and occupancy rates.



What Are The Investment Level Alternatives?

What is the average cost to franchise a hotel like Super 8?

When considering a franchise like Super 8, understanding the investment is crucial. For a new construction, 65-room property, the estimated total initial investment as of early 2025 can range substantially, from $45 million to $78 million. This broad range accounts for factors like land acquisition and the construction process itself, alongside an initial franchise fee of approximately $35,000.

Alternatively, converting an existing hotel to meet brand standards presents a more accessible entry point. In 2025, this pathway typically requires an investment between $250,000 and $15 million. The final cost here is heavily influenced by the current condition of the property and the scope of renovations needed to align with the brand's requirements. This makes the Super 8 franchise cost vs other brands competitive, especially when looking at conversion options.

Are there cheaper hotel franchises than Super 8?

Yes, there are indeed hotel franchises that can offer a lower investment threshold than Super 8, particularly when focusing on conversion opportunities and flexible fee structures. One notable example within the budget hotel franchising sector is America's Best Value Inn, associated with RLH Corporation. This brand is recognized for its 'a la carte' fee model, which offers significant flexibility and can position it as one of the lowest cost hotel franchises to own.

As of late 2024, the initial franchise fee for America's Best Value Inn can start as low as $15,000, which is considerably less than Super 8's estimated $35,000. Furthermore, its royalty fee structure, which is often a per-room fee rather than a percentage of gross revenue, can lead to lower ongoing expenses, especially for franchises that achieve strong revenue performance. This makes it a compelling option for entrepreneurs seeking economy hotel franchise opportunities with a potentially leaner financial commitment.


Tips for Evaluating Hotel Franchise Investments

  • Compare Fee Structures: Look beyond just the initial franchise fee. Analyze royalty rates, marketing fees, and any other ongoing charges to understand the total cost of ownership.
  • Consider Conversion vs. New Build: If you have an existing property, a conversion franchise can significantly reduce upfront capital needs compared to building from the ground up.
  • Research Brand Performance: Investigate the average revenue per unit and EBITDA margins for different brands. This will give you a clearer picture of potential profitability. For instance, the average annual revenue per unit for some brands might be around $486,042, but this can vary greatly.
  • Understand Market Demand: Ensure the franchise you choose aligns with the demand in your target geographic area. Budget-friendly roadside hotel franchises, for example, often thrive in high-traffic travel corridors.
  • Review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD): This is your primary source of information. Pay close attention to the investment ranges, financial performance representations, and franchisee support provided. For example, the FDD might show a low initial investment starting around $231,769, but the high end can reach over $4.6 million.

When exploring super 8 franchise alternatives, it's beneficial to compare it with other Wyndham Hotel Group brands if that affiliation is of interest. Understanding how to find hotel franchises similar to Super 8 involves looking at brands within the economy and roadside hotel franchise segments. These often cater to travelers seeking value and convenience.

For entrepreneurs looking at alternative lodging franchises for sale, researching brands that offer a similar service level but with different investment structures is key. The best budget hotel franchises to invest in 2024 are often those that have a strong brand reputation in their segment and a proven track record of supporting their franchisees. This includes understanding what other hotel chains are like Super 8 in terms of their target market and operational model.

For a deeper dive into the specifics of a particular brand, understanding How Does the Super 8 Franchise Work? provides valuable context for comparison.



What Are The Pros And Cons Of Super 8 Vs Other Franchises?

How does Super 8 compare to other Wyndham hotel brands?

When considering Super 8 as a franchise opportunity, it's helpful to compare it within its parent brand's portfolio. As of 2025, Super 8 stands as a prominent economy brand with over 1,500 locations across North America, boasting significant brand recognition. For instance, another economy brand within the same group, Days Inn, reported an average daily rate (ADR) of approximately $92 in late 2024, slightly higher than Super 8's average of $86. A major advantage for Super 8 franchisees is its extensive scale and strong presence in the roadside hotel franchise market. However, a potential drawback can be the implementation of stricter property improvement plans (PIPs) when compared to brands like Travelodge by Wyndham, which might offer greater adaptability for franchisees with existing, older properties.

What are the key differences in royalty fees?

Royalty fee structures are a critical factor in any franchise comparison. For Super 8, as of early 2025, the combined royalty, marketing, and reservation fee typically amounts to about 9.5% of gross room revenue (GRR). In comparison, a competitor like Red Roof Inn has a total fee structure that can reach up to 9% of GRR, with a 5% royalty and a 4% marketing fee. Another model to consider is America's Best Value Inn, which utilizes a flat fee system. In 2025, this fee is around $25 per room per month, a distinct difference from the percentage-based model employed by Super 8.

Understanding these fee structures is essential when exploring super 8 franchise alternatives. The initial investment for a Super 8 franchise can range from approximately $231,769 to $4,667,834, with an initial franchise fee of $28,000. Royalty fees are set at 5.5%, with an additional 3% for marketing. The required cash on hand falls between $231,769 and $4,667,834, and a net worth of $500,000 to $1,000,000 is generally required.

Average annual revenue per unit is reported at $486,042, though the median annual revenue is considerably higher at $1,200,000. The lowest reported annual revenue per unit is $154,109,211, and the highest is $1,962,033. For Super 8, the breakeven time is typically 24 months, with an investment payback also around 24 months.


Tips for Comparing Hotel Franchises

  • Analyze Total Fees: Look beyond just the royalty fee; consider marketing, technology, and other system-wide charges to understand the full cost.
  • Evaluate Brand Strength and Target Market: Does the brand appeal to your desired customer base? Consider the roadside hotel franchise segment versus urban or resort markets.
  • Review Property Improvement Plans (PIPs): Understand the investment required for renovations and upgrades to meet brand standards.
  • Compare Average Revenue and Profitability: While past performance isn't a guarantee, average unit volumes and EBITDA margins provide valuable insights.
  • Consider Franchisee Support: What level of training, marketing, and operational support does the franchisor provide?

When looking for budget hotel franchising or economy hotel franchise opportunities, it's crucial to conduct a thorough franchise comparison of hotels. For instance, exploring what other hotel chains are like Super 8 can lead you to brands with similar operational models. If you're seeking the lowest cost hotel franchises to own, you might investigate brands with different fee structures or lower initial investment requirements.

Exploring super 8 franchise alternatives can also involve looking at brands that cater to a similar traveler but with a slightly different brand positioning. This includes understanding how to find hotel franchises similar to Super 8 by examining their target demographics, location strategies, and overall guest experience. For entrepreneurs interested in franchising an economy hotel chain, a detailed look at the investment opportunities in budget lodging franchises is paramount. This includes assessing if there are cheaper hotel franchises than Super 8 and what the average cost to franchise a hotel like Super 8 truly entails when all expenses are considered.

Ultimately, understanding how the Super 8 franchise works is the first step. By comparing it to other Wyndham hotel brands and alternative lodging franchises for sale, potential franchisees can make a more informed decision about the best investment for their goals in the competitive landscape of budget hotel franchising.



Motel 6

When considering alternatives to the Super 8 franchise, Motel 6 stands out as a significant player in the economy lodging sector. It offers a different brand experience and investment profile that appeals to entrepreneurs looking for established roadside hotel franchise opportunities.

What is the investment for a Motel 6 franchise?

  • The total estimated investment to open a new 120-room Motel 6 franchise is between $68 million and $85 million as of early 2025. This substantial figure places it at the higher end for new construction in the economy segment, reflecting a significant hotel brand investment.
  • For those looking at a property conversion, the investment is considerably less, ranging from $350,000 to over $1 million. This variability is largely dependent on the existing hotel's condition. The initial franchise fee is approximately $30,000, making it a competitive option when compared to other Super 8 franchise alternatives.

How does Motel 6's brand recognition compare?

  • Motel 6 possesses iconic brand recognition, deeply ingrained as a classic roadside hotel franchise. Its enduring slogan, 'We'll leave the light on for you,' has resonated for decades. As of late 2024, the brand operates over 1,400 locations across the United States and Canada.
  • While Super 8 might have a broader global presence, Motel 6's brand strength is firmly rooted in the pure economy, no-frills travel sector. This targeted brand identity within North America provides a distinct competitive advantage in the budget hotel franchising landscape.

Key Considerations for Motel 6 as a Super 8 Alternative

Brand Positioning Pure economy, no-frills. Focus on essential amenities and value.
Target Market Budget-conscious travelers, road-trippers, and those seeking straightforward lodging.
Geographic Strength Strong presence across North America, particularly along major travel routes.

Tips for Evaluating Motel 6 as a Franchise Option

  • Understand the Conversion Advantage: If you have an existing property, a conversion to Motel 6 can significantly reduce the initial capital outlay compared to new construction.
  • Assess Market Demand: Research the demand for economy lodging in your target market. Motel 6 thrives where consistent, no-frills accommodation is valued.
  • Review the Franchise Agreement Carefully: As with any franchise, thoroughly understand the terms, fees, and obligations. This is crucial for comparing it to other economy hotel franchise opportunities.

When evaluating alternatives to the Super 8 franchise, Motel 6 presents a compelling case for entrepreneurs focused on the budget hotel franchising segment. Its established brand recognition and specific market niche offer a solid foundation for investment. For those interested in the initial steps of establishing a presence in this brand, understanding the process is key, and resources like How to Start a Super 8 Franchise in 7 Steps: Checklist can provide foundational knowledge, even when exploring different brands.



Days Inn By Wyndham

When exploring super 8 franchise alternatives, Days Inn by Wyndham presents a compelling option within the economy lodging sector. It's a well-established brand that offers a different flavor of budget hotel franchising.

What are the costs for a Days Inn franchise?

  • The total investment for a new construction 80-room Days Inn is estimated to be between $65 million and $92 million as of early 2025. The initial franchise fee is approximately $35,000, or $500 per room, whichever is greater.
  • Ongoing fees include a 5.5% royalty fee and a 4.5% marketing and reservation systems fee, totaling 10% of gross room revenue. This is slightly higher than Super 8's combined rate, a key consideration for investment opportunities in budget lodging franchises.

Why choose Days Inn over other Wyndham brands?

  • Days Inn is one of the most recognized names in the economy lodging sector, with a global presence of over 1,600 properties as of 2025. It often commands a slightly higher ADR than Super 8, appealing to travelers seeking a familiar, reliable stay.
  • The brand benefits immensely from the Wyndham Rewards loyalty program, which had over 106 million enrolled members by the end of 2024. This provides a powerful booking engine and a competitive advantage over independent hotels and smaller chains.

Key Considerations for Days Inn Investment

  • Brand Recognition: Days Inn is a widely recognized brand, which can attract a steady stream of travelers.
  • Loyalty Program: The robust Wyndham Rewards program offers a significant advantage in customer retention and bookings.
  • Operational Fees: While slightly higher than some competitors, the 10% combined royalty and marketing fee is competitive within the industry.

For those interested in understanding the financial performance of a similar brand, you can explore How Much Does a Super 8 Franchise Owner Make? to draw comparisons.

Investment Type Estimated Total Investment Initial Franchise Fee Royalty + Marketing Fee
Days Inn (New Construction, 80 rooms) $65M - $92M (Early 2025) ~$35,000 or $500/room 10% of Gross Room Revenue


Econo Lodge

What makes Econo Lodge a strong budget hotel franchising choice?

When considering super 8 franchise alternatives, Econo Lodge stands out as a compelling option in the budget hotel franchising landscape. As part of the extensive Choice Hotels International portfolio, Econo Lodge leverages a strong brand presence with over 750 locations as of late 2024. Its strategic focus on the conversion market is a significant draw for entrepreneurs, often leading to a lower initial investment compared to ground-up construction. The brand's established 'Easy Stop on the Road' positioning effectively targets transient and leisure travelers, a core demographic in the economy segment.

Choice Hotels provides robust support systems for its franchisees. This includes access to a sophisticated reservation system that, in 2024, generated over $5 billion in revenue for its franchisees. This level of backing is crucial for new and established operators looking to maximize their hotel brand investment.


Tips for Evaluating Budget Hotel Franchises

  • Analyze Location Potential: Ensure the chosen location aligns with Econo Lodge's target demographic and has potential for consistent traffic.
  • Understand Conversion Benefits: If considering a conversion, factor in the potential savings on construction and the brand's experience in integrating existing properties.
  • Leverage Brand Support: Actively utilize the franchisor's reservation systems, marketing resources, and operational guidance to drive revenue and manage costs.

How do Econo Lodge's fees compare to Super 8?

A key factor in comparing super 8 franchise alternatives is the fee structure. As of early 2025, Econo Lodge has an initial franchise fee of $25,000. The ongoing royalty fee is set at 5% of gross room revenue, complemented by a 3.25% system and marketing fee. This brings the total ongoing fee to 8.25%.

This total fee of 8.25% is notably lower than Super 8's typical combined fee of 9.5%. This difference of over one percentage point can represent significant annual savings for franchisees, potentially amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. For entrepreneurs seeking the lowest cost hotel franchises to own or exploring franchising an economy hotel chain, this fee differential makes Econo Lodge a very attractive alternative.

Fee Type Econo Lodge (Early 2025) Super 8 (Typical)
Initial Franchise Fee $25,000 $28,000 (based on FDD data)
Royalty Fee 5% 5.5% (based on FDD data)
Marketing/System Fee 3.25% 3% (based on FDD data)
Total Ongoing Fees 8.25% 8.5%

Comparing these figures highlights how Econo Lodge can offer a more cost-effective entry and ongoing operation for those interested in budget hotel franchising or seeking to understand what other hotel chains are like Super 8. This makes it a primary consideration for entrepreneurs evaluating alternative hotel franchises for sale and looking for cheaper hotel franchises than Super 8.



Red Roof Inn

What are the benefits of a Red Roof Inn franchise?

When considering alternatives to the Super 8 franchise, Red Roof Inn presents a compelling option for those looking into budget hotel franchising. A significant advantage is its strong performance in direct bookings. As of late 2024, over 65% of the company's system-wide reservations are made through its own channels, such as the RediRewards loyalty program and its brand website. This focus on direct bookings helps reduce reliance on potentially costly third-party booking platforms.

Furthermore, Red Roof Inn has invested in modernizing its brand image. The introduction of its NextGen and Hometowne Studios prototypes offers updated aesthetics that appeal to a wider range of travelers. With a substantial presence of over 670 properties, it stands out as a robust roadside hotel franchise for investors prioritizing a strong domestic market focus. This makes it one of the best roadside motel franchises to buy for those seeking brand recognition and a solid operational framework.

What is the financial profile of a Red Roof Inn?

For aspiring franchisees, understanding the financial commitment is crucial. The estimated total investment for a new 80-room Red Roof Inn, as of early 2025, ranges between $4.2 million and $5.8 million. The initial franchise fee is set at a competitive $30,000. These figures position it as a significant investment within the economy hotel franchise opportunities sector.

Ongoing financial obligations include a 5% royalty fee and a 4% marketing and reservations fee. In terms of performance benchmarks, the brand reported a system-wide RevPAR (Revenue Per Available Room) of approximately $54 in 2024. This metric indicates a healthy performance within the economy lodging segment, providing a key data point for investors comparing hotel brand investment opportunities.

Investment Aspect Red Roof Inn Super 8 (FDD Data)
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000 $28,000
Estimated Total Investment (New 80-room) $4.2M - $5.8M $231,769 - $4,667,834
Royalty Fee 5% 5.5%
Marketing Fee 4% 3%

Tips for Evaluating Hotel Franchises

  • Analyze Direct Booking Rates: A higher percentage of direct bookings indicates a stronger brand presence and potentially lower customer acquisition costs.
  • Review Prototype Designs: Assess if the brand's current or planned prototypes align with evolving traveler preferences and local market demands.
  • Compare Fee Structures: Carefully examine royalty, marketing, and other ongoing fees to understand their impact on profitability.
  • Examine RevPAR Trends: Look at Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) data to gauge the brand's pricing power and occupancy performance.

When comparing super 8 franchise alternatives, Red Roof Inn offers a distinct value proposition. Its emphasis on direct bookings and modern property designs can be attractive for entrepreneurs looking for alternative hotel franchises for entrepreneurs. This approach to building brand loyalty and guest experience positions it as a strong contender in the budget hotel franchising landscape, providing a clear franchise comparison for hotels.



America's Best Value Inn

When exploring super 8 franchise alternatives, America's Best Value Inn (ABVI) presents a compelling option, particularly for those seeking a more owner-centric approach in the budget hotel franchising sector. As an RLH Corporation brand, ABVI stands out in early 2025 as one of the few national lodging franchises that actively involves its franchisees in shaping brand direction and policies. This collaborative model is a significant draw for entrepreneurs looking for a voice in their investment. Furthermore, ABVI is recognized as one of the lowest cost hotel franchises to own, offering a distinct advantage in the competitive economy hotel franchise opportunities market.

With a portfolio of approximately 1,000 properties, ABVI provides the benefit of national brand recognition, a crucial element for attracting travelers, without the substantial costs and rigid operational mandates often associated with larger or more established brands. This makes it a strong contender for those comparing franchise options or looking for alternatives to the Super 8 franchise. For a deeper dive into how other franchise models operate, you can review How Does the Super 8 Franchise Work?

Why consider an America's Best Value Inn franchise?

  • America's Best Value Inn (ABVI), an RLH Corporation brand, is a leading alternative lodging franchise for sale due to its unique owner-operator-centric model As of 2025, it is one of the few national brands that offers franchisees significant input on brand direction and policies
  • This brand is one of the lowest cost hotel franchises to own, with a flexible, short-term contract and low flat fees With approximately 1,000 properties, it provides national brand recognition without the high costs and rigid requirements of many competitors

How does their franchise model differ from others?

  • ABVI's model is fundamentally different from the percentage-based royalty system of Super 8 As of early 2025, franchisees pay a low initial fee (around $15,000) and then a monthly flat fee per room (around $25), plus fees for optional services
  • This 'a la carte' approach allows owners to control costs and only pay for the services they use, a stark contrast to the mandatory, all-inclusive fee structures of most other budget hotel franchising systems This provides unparalleled flexibility for experienced hoteliers

This distinct fee structure, which contrasts sharply with the typical royalty percentage model seen in many budget hotel franchising systems, offers a clear advantage. For instance, while Super 8 has an initial franchise fee of $28,000 and a royalty fee of 5.5% of gross room revenue, ABVI's approach of a low initial fee and a flat monthly room charge provides a more predictable cost structure. This can be particularly beneficial for managing cash flow, especially when comparing investment opportunities in budget lodging franchises.

The flexibility inherent in ABVI's 'a la carte' service model means franchisees can tailor their support package, paying only for services they deem valuable. This is a significant departure from the often all-inclusive, percentage-based fees that can escalate with revenue, making it a more attractive option for those seeking the lowest cost hotel franchises to own or comparing Super 8 franchise costs to other brands.


Tips for Evaluating Budget Hotel Franchises

  • Understand the Fee Structure: Compare royalty fees, marketing fees, and any other charges. A flat fee per room, like ABVI's model, can be more predictable than a percentage of revenue, especially for new or smaller operations.
  • Assess Brand Recognition vs. Cost: While national brands offer visibility, weigh this against the associated franchise fees and operational requirements. Sometimes, a strong regional presence or a brand with lower overhead can be more profitable.
  • Review Contract Terms: Look for flexibility in contract length and termination clauses. Shorter, more flexible contracts can reduce long-term commitment and risk.
  • Analyze Owner Involvement: If you prefer a hands-on approach and input into brand decisions, seek franchises with an owner-operator-centric model, as opposed to purely passive investment opportunities.

Franchise Fee (Initial) ABVI: ~ $15,000 (estimated) Super 8: $28,000
Ongoing Fees ABVI: Low monthly flat fee per room (~$25) + optional service fees Super 8: 5.5% Royalty + 3% Marketing Fee
Franchisee Input High Lower
Cost to Own Lower Higher