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When it comes to affordable lodging in the United States, two names stand out in the budget motel market: Motel 6 and Super 8. These chains have been vying for dominance for decades, each offering travelers a low-cost, no-frills option for their accommodations. But what sets them apart? Let's dive into the fascinating evolution of these two brands and explore their key differences.
In the 1960s, the lodging industry was dominated by more expensive options like Holiday Inn, which offered luxurious amenities and higher prices. Paul Green and William Becker, two real estate contractors, identified a gap in the market for affordable lodging. They envisioned a 54-room hotel that would offer the lowest rates possible, attracting budget-conscious travelers. Thus, Motel 6 was born, charging just six dollars a night. Their innovative approach to cost efficiency set the stage for the budget motel industry.
Super 8, on the other hand, entered the scene a bit later, inspired by Motel 6's success. Dennis Brown, a lawyer for the IRS, saw the potential in the budget motel concept and teamed up with Ron Rivet to create Super 8. While Motel 6 was meticulously planned, Super 8's first location was built without an architect, using stucco simply because a family member had experience with it. Despite these differences, both chains quickly gained popularity for their affordability.
Franchising played a significant role in the expansion of both Motel 6 and Super 8. While Motel 6 initially eschewed franchising, relying on company-owned locations, they eventually adopted the approach to keep up with competitors like Super 8. Super 8, however, embraced franchising from the start, allowing them to expand rapidly. By the time Motel 6 opened their first franchise, Super 8 had already surpassed 1,000 locations.
When it comes to international presence, Super 8 has a clear advantage. Motel 6 has expanded into Canada but has yet to branch out into other countries. Super 8, on the other hand, has locations in Germany, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and most notably, over 1,000 locations in China. This global reach gives Super 8 a significant edge in the international market.
Advertising has been a crucial aspect of both brands' success. Early on, both Motel 6 and Super 8 focused on minimal advertising, relying on billboards along highways to attract travelers. Super 8 cleverly designed a bright yellow and red logo and a distinctive architectural style to make their motels stand out.
Motel 6's breakthrough came with their iconic slogan, "We'll leave the light on for you," which quickly became a household name and helped reverse their declining fortunes. Super 8 responded with their own national advertising campaigns, emphasizing their name and the number 8, but their efforts never quite matched the impact of Motel 6's slogan.
Both Motel 6 and Super 8 have undergone multiple changes in ownership over the years. Motel 6's original owner sold the company after just five years, allowing for rapid expansion without resorting to franchising. The company has since been owned by various investor groups, including a French company and, most recently, Blackstone.
Super 8's ownership history is equally complex, with the most notable change occurring in 1993 when they were sold to Hospitality Franchise Systems, which was later renamed and merged to become Wyndham. Today, both Motel 6 and Super 8 are part of the Wyndham family of brands.
In the battle of budget motels, Motel 6 may be the more original of the two, but Super 8 has successfully followed in their footsteps while also employing their own strategies. Whether you prefer Motel 6 or Super 8 often comes down to personal preference and individual experiences.
So, have you ever stayed at either one of these motels? How do you compare them to each other and to other chains? Is one your go-to place, or do you avoid both at all costs? Share your thoughts in the comments below. We'd love to hear your insights and experiences!
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