Econo Lodge is an American economy hotel brand and one of the longest running limited service lodging chains in the United States. Founded in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1969 as Econo Travel, the brand pioneered a simplified budget hotel model that emphasized clean, standardized rooms without the full service amenities—such as restaurants, pools, and large lobbies—common in mid century motels.[2] Econo Lodge is now a subsidiary of Choice Hotels and operates more than 690 locations across the United States and Canada.[3]
History
Origins (1965–1969)
The Econo Travel concept was developed in the mid 1960s by Norfolk businessman Lloyd Tarbutton and builder Vernon Myers. Their prototype featured 48 rooms, a compact lobby, and a manager’s apartment, eliminating many amenities to reduce construction and operating costs. Early operational features included bed boxes to simplify housekeeping, centralized electrical panels, and strategically placed maid closets.
The first Econo Travel Motor Hotel opened in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1969 and quickly demonstrated strong profitability, leading to rapid franchising across the southeastern United States.