COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 15, 2018 — Convenient, cost-effective and comfortable: the basic essentials of extended stay accommodations, a hospitality sector that has grown immensely in the past few years with extended stay builds currently making up more than a quarter of all hotel development projects in the U.S. pipeline according to Lodging Econometrics. This growth was one of the many reasons that Red Roof, the leader in the economy lodging industry, is entering this market with their newest sub-brand, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof. The brand will undergo a phased launch of over 30 properties across more than 20 markets with nearly 4,000 rooms. The brand also has a pipeline of more than a dozen properties scheduled to open over the next 12 months. The addition of HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof and HomeTowne Studios and Suites by Red Roof to the expanding Red Roof portfolio continues Red Roof's tradition of offering consumers clean, comfortable and safe places to stay with an unmatched value proposition that puts their guests first.
"The extended stay category continues to grow as consumer preferences continue to evolve," says Andrew Alexander, President, Red Roof. "The launch of HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof is a natural progression, and key milestone, as we extend our portfolio for a range of guests, leveraging our solid industry reputation for knowing what guests want and fulfilling those needs with a full fleet of offerings, now including extended stay."
Red Roof expects rapid growth based on guest demand for its new sub-brand through strong franchisee partnerships. Phil Hugh, Chief Development Officer, Red Roof, says, "HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof offers franchisees opportunities to invest in one of the most rapidly growing segments of the hospitality industry. This new sub-brand will create additional brand awareness, giving our franchisees access to a new customer base while still benefitting from the strong brand equity, attributes, benefits and proven support system of Red Roof."
Following over $50 million in renovations, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof will provide warm and inviting accommodations, free high-speed Wi-Fi, flat screen HD TVs featuring premium cable with HBO, on-site laundry and free U.S. phone service. As local residents comprise 60 percent of extended stay occupancy, extended stay is an all-inclusive alternative to hefty upfront rental and security deposits, expensive monthly rents, gas bills, water bills, cable bills, electric bills and often, parking fees. Extended stays are also attractive to those in project-based job industries—such as construction and healthcare—and those who are part of the gig economy, which sees more Americans than ever moving frequently from job to job. Businessmen and women who are frequently on the road, families with patients in nearby hospitals and professionals who are relocating are also frequent guests in this sector.
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof offers guests a range of amenities and services that is top-of-line for the sector, making long-term living a joy and bringing peace-of-mind. Live-in studios and suites feature all the conveniences of home, including a kitchenette with full-size refrigerator, microwave, sink, kitchen table and chairs. Outside of the kitchenette, guests can expect brand new bedding, high-definition televisions, laundry rooms open 24 hours per day, seven days per week and complimentary coffee in the lobby areas each morning. Properties are located near work, local restaurants and shops.
"At Red Roof, we fully understand what travelers in the extended stay sector want," notes Marina MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer, Red Roof. "With HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, we're providing all the well-known and well-regarded components that Red Roof always has: value, comfort and friendly service. Now, they're available with the basic essentials of an extended stay, at one of the best-value price points in the hotel industry. All of this is what truly differentiates HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof from the other extended stay choices in the market."
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof will offer a kitchen kit for a low additional charge that includes a full dish and silverware set that guests can keep after their stay. Additionally, all guests will be eligible to participate in RediCard®, Red Roof's popular loyalty program. RediCard membership is one of the most generous in the industry: free nights are just 6,000 points at HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof locations and 7,000 points at Red Roof Inn® and Red Roof PLUS+® properties. Guests can also use points to shop for gift cards from Amazon, Target and other retailers from Red Roof's online catalog. For more information, please visit redroof.com or call 800.RED.ROOF.
