Red Roof Inn
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Red Roof Inn is an economy hotel chain in the United States. Red Roof Inn properties are often distinguished by the large dark-red shingle roof that gives them their name. There are over 340 Red Roof Inns, with locations primarily in the Midwest, Southern, and Eastern United States. Standard amenities include: bedding, cable television, clock radios, coffee & cappuccino centers located in the lobby, and free unlimited local calling. Certain locations may provide a continental breakfast and swimming pool. All-Inclusive King rooms provide free high-speed wireless internet access, and unlimited free local and long-distance calling. Red Roof Inn is a pet-friendly hotel chain.[1]
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[edit] History
The Red Roof Inn chain began in Columbus, Ohio. The company was founded by Jim Trueman in 1972 with the intention to provide guests with a clean, comfortable room at an affordable price. The oldest hotel (Inn #3) is still operating as a Red Roof Inn, located on East Cork Street in Kalamazoo, MI. It was built in 1973 and last renovated in 2004.
The original slogan was "Sleep Cheap." T-Shirts were sold on property with this slogan and the public bought them up. In 1987-88 Red Roof Inn's prices were increased due to inflation and the prices of the chain, while still lower than most of its direct competitors like Budgetel (now Baymont), and Days Inn, was too high to be cheap. Thus the slogan was changed to "Hit The Roof."
In the late-1990s, actor Martin Mull starred in a series of television and radio advertisements for Red Roof Inn.
In April 2007, Accor announced the sale of Red Roof Inns to Citigroup Global Special Situations Group and Westbridge Hospitality Fund LP for $1.32 billion.[2] As part of the sale, some locations will be re-branded as part of Accor's flagship North American brand, Motel 6, which Accor will attempt to focus exclusively on (in the North American market) after the sale is complete.
[edit] Future
Plans were unveiled for expansion plans for the brand, leading to a doubling in size over the next ten years. The centerpiece of these expansion plans is the next generation prototype, which will feature a fresh, modern design, flat screen televisions, granite countertops, trendy lighting and bathroom fixtures, iPod plug-in stations, and hardwood floors. Existing Red Roof Inn locations are currently undergoing a $250 million dollar renovation, which once complete, will bring similar modern upgrades to these hotels.[3]
Plans are on hold at this time, due to the economy.
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