Quality Inns: Nearly 65 Years of Innovation in the Lodging Industry

Lee G. Gilman

Department of Mathematical Sciences

Clemson University

Clemson, SC

Quality Inn, Anderson, SC

Beginnings

• 1939- Seven Florida motel owners form Quality Courts United, a not-for-profit motel referral chain.

• Was formed to increase business at the individual motels through cooperation

• Early concentration was in the Southeast

Quality Courts Thruway Motor Inn, New York

Quality Courts “Firsts”• First to conduct quality inspections of

motels

• First to publish chain directories

• First to mandate in room carpeting, pools, telephones

• First 1-800 reservation system

1955 Quality Courts United motel directory

1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s

• In 1963 Quality Courts became a for-profit franchise operation

• In 1972 changed name to Quality Inns International

• During the 1980’s improved standards, dropped underperforming hotels, and added new brands

• In 1990 became Choice Hotels International

Comfort Inns• Created by Quality International in 1981

• Limited service, luxury budget hotels

• Impressive growth: 860 properties opened in first eight years

• Now Choice’s largest chain

Sleep Inns• Created by Quality International in 1988• All new construction, prototype design economy

hotels• Interior corridor access, unique design features to

cut down on costs• Highly ranked on consumer satisfaction surveys

Choice’s Other Brands

• Clarion Hotels, founded as Quality Royale in 1981

• Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn, purchased in 1990

• Company created MainStay Suites extended stay hotels in 1996

Recent Innovations

• Launched www.choicehotels.com in 1995.

• Unveiled new logos for Sleep Inns, Comfort Suites, and Quality Inns in 2001

Quality Inns continues to lead the hospitality industry after over 60

years of leadership