Super 8 Worldwide is one of the world’s largest budget hotel chain, with hotels in the United States, Canada and China. Formerly Super 8 Motels, the company is a subsidiary of Wyndham Worldwide, formerly a part of Cendant. The very first Super 8 motel opened in South Dakota in 1974. This idea was pioneered by business partners Dennis Brown and Ron Rivett.
They had an idea to build a hotel that would be within the reach of almost every traveler. The idea was such a success that the company began franchising the concept just two years later. Super 8 is owned by Wyndham Worldwide, the parent company to other popular hotel chains like Ramada, Howard Johnson, Days Inn, and Travelodge.
Super 8 has an “8-Point Promise” to their lodgers which guarantees guests amenities like free in-room internet, a high-tech bathroom, cable TV, and free lodging for kids. Some locations have even started adding indoor swimming pools to make for more entertainment and even a restaurant.
As a nice gesture to its guests, Super 8 offers free breakfast and coffee. Guests who purchase a “destination Super” coffee mug can even bring the mug to any Super 8 motel whether they are a guest or not to get a free refill. Guests can earn Wyndham Reward points on the money they spend at Super 8 Hotels, which are redeemable at all of the Wyndham hotels, not just Super 8 locations.
Super 8’s name is derived from the unique room rate of the hotel which is $8.88 every night, when the principal hotel opened in 1974 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. This world’s biggest economy lodging chain can currently boast of more than 2,200 properties in the U.S., Canada, and China.
Super 8 has as of late propelled a brand invigorated with another logo and a crisp, new inside and outside outline program. Visitors can rely on upon each Super 8 to get: complimentary SuperStart breakfast, free fast web, updated shower conveniences, free in-room espresso, kids under 17 remain free, and free premium link or satellite TV.
Super 8 by Wyndham’s parent company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, also owns Travelodge by Wyndham, Days Inn by Wyndham, Howard Johnson by Wyndham, Ramada Worldwide by Wyndham, Wingate by Wyndham, Baymont by Wyndham, Microtel Inns & Suites, Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.
As of May 2014, the company website listed 2,392 hotels worldwide. As per the 2006 company reports, Super 8 had 2,039 properties open with 123,982 rooms in the US and Canada. Super 8 Worldwide entered the China market in 2004 by opening a Super 8 hotel in Beijing. By 2011, there are 680 Super 8 hotels mainly located in major cities of China.
Founded in 1974, Super 8 Motels has been franchising since 1976.
Financial Investment Required to Open Super 8 Franchise
Now that you have been acquainted with the superb services rendered by Super 8 Motels, you might want to enquire as an entrepreneur if they still offer franchise opportunities. Yes, Super 8 sells Franchise and it will be a very good decision to buy into their franchise as they are one of the hotel-chains with the most location across the world.
- Initial Investment: $231,769 – $4,667,834
- Initial Franchise Fee: $25,000 – $28,000
- Ongoing Royalty Fee: 5.5%
- Ad Royalty Fee: 3%
Financing Options For Super 8 Franchisees
If you have been fully approved to operate with the Super 8 name and you will need extra financing for your project, the company offers in-house financing that covers the following: franchise fee and startup costs. Super 8 also has cordial relationships with 3rd party firms that can offer financing to cover for your financial need to startup and run your Super 8 Motel.
How to Open Super 8 Motel Franchise
The decision to open a Super 8 Motel franchise is only the beginning of a long process before you stand behind the check-in counter of your very own Super 8 Motel. Super 8 Motels began franchising their brand in the United States and Canada in 1978 and began opening up franchises in other countries across Europe and the Middle East in 2007. Below is a general guideline to help someone set up their own Super 8 Motel franchise.
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Choose a location
To start with this franchise, you have to first of all choose a suitable location for your hotel. Check for competition, easy access to major highways and that the area can support another lodging establishment.
2. Get your business plan crafted out
The next thing you have to do is to visit your local Small Business Administration office to get assistance in writing a comprehensive business plan and to discuss on avenues with which you can finance your Super 8 franchise.
3. Visit the Wyndham Hotel Group website
Next, you have to visit the largest lodging franchiser in the world and the owner of the Super 8 Motel franchise and click on the contact button. Fill out the questionnaire and a representative from Wyndham will contact you within 48 hours to start the process of becoming a Super 8 Motel franchisee.
4. Work with their representative
Discuss your vision of your Super 8 Motel with the Wyndham representative to detect and correct problem areas. The representative will then assign you a Development Planning and Construction (DPC) team project manager who will work with you throughout the construction phase of the project including support documentation necessary to move the project along.
5. Find your contractor
Your DPC will provide a list of brand approved contractors, or you can select your own and get approval. You need to research the contractors provided so you can find the one that you can work comfortably with.
6. Get your style selected and approved
Select a style from a brand-approved list, or submit your own designs for brand approval. There is a fee associated with this service if you decide to use your own designs. Check with your project manager for more details and the total charges.
You should also check with your architect to ensure that all government requirements are being met with regards to issues such as environmental permits, fire marshal approval and electrical and plumbing codes.
7. Furnish your hotel
Once you are done with the construction, you now have to order furniture, bedding, uniforms and other furnishings as needed. Your Property Opening Manager (POM) can supply you with a list of trusted supply sources where you will get discounts as part of a large network of buyers. Interview and hire employees with help from your POM.
8. Get your insurance and permits
You should now look towards getting the necessary insurance, licenses and permits to operate your business. Work with your POM to get your business listed in the Motel 8 franchise central reservation center. This will ensure that traveler’s coming to your area will be automatically directed to your Super 8 Motel.