Red Roof Inn

Corporate brand

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An American economy hotel chain known for affordable, pet-friendly lodging.

Last updated November 4, 2026

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Overview

Red Roof Inn is an American economy hotel chain founded in Columbus, Ohio, in 1973 by businessman and automobile racing team owner Jim Trueman. The chain built its identity around straightforward, affordable lodging for motorists and other budget-conscious travelers, with a distinctive red-roof visual identity and a broad presence in the United States. Its properties have historically been concentrated in the Midwest, South, and East, although the business has also pursued international development and has operated or developed hotels in Canada, Brazil, and Japan. The chain has reported more than 600 properties globally, with the United States remaining its principal market. The company began as an owner-operated hotel business and remained associated with the Trueman family for several years after Trueman's death in 1986. A major ownership transition occurred in 1994, when the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund acquired the business from the family. Red Roof began franchising in 1997, opening its first franchised property in Branson, Missouri. In 1999, French hospitality company Accor acquired Red Roof Inn for $1.115 billion. At the time, the chain had 324 locations and 37,208 rooms. The transaction expanded Accor's North American lodging portfolio, which also included Motel 6, but Accor later decided to concentrate its North American economy-hotel efforts on Motel 6. Accor announced the sale of Red Roof Inn in April 2007 to Citigroup Global Special Situations Group and Westbridge Hospitality Fund LP for approximately $1.3 billion. Some properties were subsequently converted to Motel 6. After the sale, Red Roof continued as a separate hotel platform focused on franchising, brand development, and management relationships rather than maintaining ownership of every property carrying its name. By 2020, a group of 67 managed properties had been separated from the Red Roof Inn corporate umbrella and placed under RRI West Management, LLC, which became the chain's largest franchisee while retaining operational and administrative relationships with the brand. Red Roof has used product segmentation to broaden its offer beyond its traditional economy-motel format. Red Roof PLUS+, introduced in 2014, positioned selected properties as an upscale-economy extension with upgraded rooms, enhanced bedding, improved towels, in-room coffee, snack amenities, and a more prominent lobby entrance. In 2018, the company introduced The Red Collection, a soft brand aimed at midscale urban hotels with locally influenced design. It also launched HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof for extended-stay customers, using a portfolio that developed from earlier Crossland Economy Studios and Home Towne Suites properties. A significant modernization effort began in 2013, when Red Roof announced a $150 million nationwide investment in its hotels. The resulting NextGen room design used wood-look flooring, upgraded bedding, wireless internet, flat-screen televisions, granite countertops, and vessel sinks. To mark the chain's fortieth anniversary, Red Roof toured the United States with a semitrailer containing a full-scale representation of the redesigned room. Internationally, Red Roof opened its first Brazilian property in Curitiba in 2015, followed by a Vitória property in 2016 through a partnership with Nobile Hotels. It entered Japan in 2016 with a hotel in Osaka's Namba district. Proposed expansion arrangements in Thailand did not materialize, while later Canadian development plans included a Calgary location. Red Roof presents itself as a practical, value-oriented lodging provider with a strong pet-friendly proposition. Its network includes conventional Red Roof Inn properties, Red Roof PLUS+ hotels, extended-stay HomeTowne Studios locations, and selected urban hotels associated with The Red Collection. The company has also faced serious legal scrutiny over allegations that hotels failed to prevent or respond adequately to sex trafficking. Multiple federal lawsuits were reported by July 2024, and a related case concerning alleged conduct between 2009 and 2018 was settled in June 2024. These allegations remain an important part of the brand's public record, while the company continues to operate as an active hotel franchising and management business.

History

Red Roof Inn originated in Columbus, Ohio, in 1973. Its founder, Jim Trueman, was an American businessman and automobile racing team owner. The original business developed as an economy lodging chain serving travelers who wanted basic accommodation at an accessible price. The brand's name and visual identity were tied to the red roofs used at its properties, helping distinguish the chain in roadside and regional hotel markets. The first location reportedly charged $8.50 per night. Trueman died in 1986, but the Trueman family retained control of the company for approximately eight years. In 1994, the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund acquired Red Roof from the family. Under that ownership, Red Roof expanded its franchising model. The first franchised hotel opened in Branson, Missouri, in 1997, marking a shift from a predominantly company-controlled property base toward a network supported by independent owners and franchise operators. In 1999, Accor acquired Red Roof Inn from the Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund for $1.115 billion. Red Roof had 324 locations and 37,208 rooms at the time. The acquisition strengthened Accor's position in the global hotel market and placed Red Roof alongside other Accor lodging brands, including Motel 6. Accor later chose to focus its North American economy-hotel strategy on Motel 6. In April 2007 it announced the sale of Red Roof to Citigroup Global Special Situations Group and Westbridge Hospitality Fund LP for approximately $1.3 billion. Some properties were converted to Motel 6 as part of the portfolio realignment. Following the Accor divestiture, Red Roof increasingly operated through a combination of franchising, management, and property-level investment relationships. Individual inns were sold into portfolios owned by investment groups, while the Red Roof organization continued to provide brand and, in some cases, management functions. By September 2020, 67 managed properties had been removed from the Red Roof Inn Inc. umbrella and placed under RRI West Management, LLC. RRI West became the largest franchisee of the Red Roof system. In 2021, the franchising unit was formally placed into Red Roof Franchising, LLC, further separating brand franchising from other property-management structures. Brand development became more segmented during the 2010s. In 2013, Red Roof announced a $150 million renovation program and introduced the NextGen room concept. The design used wood-like floors, upgraded bedding, wireless internet, flat-screen televisions, granite countertops, and vessel sinks. A full-size model room was displayed in a touring semitrailer to promote the renovation and commemorate the chain's fortieth anniversary. In early 2014, Red Roof PLUS+ was introduced as a higher-tier extension of the core brand. It retained the economy focus but added selected premium rooms, improved towels and bedding, Seattle's Best coffee, snack boxes, and a distinctive illuminated red canopy. Red Roof also pursued new market segments. The Red Collection launched in 2018 as a soft brand for urban, midscale hotels with design elements inspired by their host cities. Its early properties included The St. Clair Hotel–Magnificent Mile in Chicago, State House Inn in Springfield, Illinois, and Lord & Moris Times Square Hotel in New York. State House Inn later left the collection in 2020. In the same year, Red Roof introduced HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, an extended-stay brand built through a phased rollout of more than 30 properties in over 20 markets and nearly 4,000 rooms; the portfolio subsequently reached 54 locations by 2021. International development began with Curitiba, Brazil, in September 2015, followed by a Vitória hotel in April 2016 through a partnership with Nobile Hotels. The partners discussed a long-term Brazilian pipeline of 35 to 40 properties. Red Roof entered Japan in July 2016 with a hotel in Osaka's Namba district. A proposed Thai expansion with Paragon Hotels did not materialize. Later plans involving FANS International Hospitality Group contemplated a Calgary property and additional Canadian conversions. The chain remains active and is recognized for affordable, pet-friendly accommodation. Its public history also includes serious litigation concerning alleged failures to prevent or respond to sex trafficking at some properties. Reporting in 2024 indicated that dozens of federal cases were pending or had been brought, and that one related case covering alleged conduct from 2009 to 2018 had settled in June of that year.

2021
Red Roof Franchising is established as a separate entity
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
The franchising unit is placed into Red Roof Franchising, LLC.
2020
Managed-property portfolio is separated
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
A group of 67 managed properties is moved under RRI West Management, LLC.
2018
The Red Collection and HomeTowne Studios launch
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Red Roof adds an urban soft brand and an extended-stay concept to its portfolio.
2016
Red Roof expands to Japan
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
The brand opens a hotel in Osaka's Namba district.
2015
First Brazilian property opens
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Red Roof opens in Curitiba, Brazil, its first reported international location.
2014
Red Roof PLUS+ launches
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
The company introduces a higher-tier upscale-economy extension to its core brand.
2013
NextGen renovation program begins
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Red Roof announces a $150 million program to renovate its hotels and deploy the NextGen room design.
2007
Accor sells the chain
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Citigroup Global Special Situations Group and Westbridge Hospitality Fund acquire Red Roof for approximately $1.3 billion.
1999
Accor acquires Red Roof Inn
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Accor purchases the chain for $1.115 billion when it has 324 locations and 37,208 rooms.
1997
Franchising begins
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Red Roof opens its first franchised property in Branson, Missouri.
1994
Morgan Stanley acquires Red Roof
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
The Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund purchases the chain from the Trueman family.
1986
Founder Jim Trueman dies
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
The company remains under Trueman family control for several years after his death.
1973
Red Roof Inn is founded in Columbus
[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Jim Trueman establishes the original Red Roof Inn business in Columbus, Ohio.

Products and positioning

Affordable, convenient, pet-friendly economy lodging, with selected upscale-economy and extended-stay formats.

Economy hotels · 1973
Red Roof Inn
The core Red Roof brand provides economical hotel and motel-style accommodation, primarily in the United States. Properties generally target motorists, leisure travelers, workers, and other guests seeking practical rooms at accessible prices. Pet-friendly policies are a prominent part of the brand proposition. The format emphasizes essential room amenities, convenient locations, and a recognizable red-roof identity rather than full-service resort facilities.
Upscale-economy hotels · 2014
Red Roof PLUS+
Introduced in 2014, Red Roof PLUS+ is a higher-tier extension of the core Red Roof Inn offer rather than an entirely separate lodging category. The concept incorporates the NextGen design and offers selected Premium Rooms with upgraded bedding and towels, Seattle's Best in-room coffee, and a snack box containing items such as water, juice, popcorn, trail mix, and granola bars. Properties use a prominent illuminated red canopy at the lobby entrance.
Urban midscale soft brand · 2018
The Red Collection
The Red Collection is Red Roof's soft-brand platform for midscale hotels in urban and downtown locations. Its intended identity combines contemporary interiors with design references drawn from the surrounding city. The first flagship property was The St. Clair Hotel–Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago, followed by properties including State House Inn in Springfield, Illinois, and Lord & Moris Times Square Hotel in New York. Not every original property remained in the collection.
Extended-stay hotels · 2018
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof
HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof serves guests seeking longer-term accommodation. The concept was launched through a phased rollout of properties associated with the former Crossland Economy Studios and Home Towne Suites portfolios. Its extended-stay orientation is intended for relocations, project assignments, temporary housing, and other stays requiring more time than a conventional overnight hotel visit.
Room-design platform · 2013
NextGen room design
NextGen was a nationwide modernization design introduced during Red Roof's 2013 renovation program. The format included wood-look flooring, upgraded bedding, wireless internet, flat-screen televisions, granite countertops, and vessel sinks. It was intended to refresh the guest experience across existing properties while preserving the chain's value positioning.

Controversies

2024
Sex-trafficking negligence lawsuits
Red Roof Inn faced numerous federal lawsuits alleging that the company and properties in its system failed to recognize, prevent, or respond adequately to sex trafficking and profited from abusive conduct. Reporting in July 2024 described 42 federal lawsuits. A related case involving alleged conduct from 2009 through 2018 was reported as settled in June 2024. The allegations and litigation represent claims by plaintiffs and should not be treated as established findings against every property or the entire chain.
Source
2020
Santa Ana sues owners and operators of Red Roof Inn Santa Ana
The city of Santa Ana filed a public nuisance and narcotics abatement lawsuit against the owners of Red Roof Inn Santa Ana, seeking measures to address criminal activity and property-code and safety violations at the motel. The article identifies the owners and operators, rather than the Red Roof Inn brand, as defendants.
Source

2013NextGen room design roadshow
United States
To support the fortieth anniversary and promote its nationwide renovation program, Red Roof toured the country with a semitrailer containing a full-scale representation of a NextGen guest room.
Outcome. Used as a public demonstration of the chain's room modernization initiative.
Source

Brand decisions

2021
Separate the franchising businessStrategy
Background
Red Roof's operating model included franchised, managed, and property-level ownership relationships.
Action taken
The franchising unit was placed into Red Roof Franchising, LLC.
Aftermath
Franchising was more clearly separated as an organizational business function.
Source
2018
Add urban and extended-stay brandsProduct launch
Background
The traditional roadside economy format did not cover all urban and longer-duration lodging needs.
Action taken
Red Roof launched The Red Collection for urban midscale hotels and HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof for extended-stay customers.
Aftermath
The company broadened its portfolio beyond conventional short-stay economy rooms.
Source
2014
Launch Red Roof PLUS+Product launch
Background
Red Roof sought to serve guests willing to pay for selected upgrades without leaving the economy-hotel segment.
Action taken
The company introduced an upscale-economy extension with Premium Rooms and enhanced amenities.
Aftermath
The brand portfolio gained a tiered offer above the standard Red Roof Inn format.
Source
2013
Adopt the NextGen room designGeneration change
Background
The company sought to modernize its existing economy-hotel portfolio while maintaining a value-oriented market position.
Action taken
Red Roof announced a $150 million nationwide renovation program featuring new room finishes, bedding, connectivity, televisions, and bathroom fixtures.
Aftermath
NextGen became the visual and functional basis for the Red Roof PLUS+ concept and other property upgrades.
Announced renovation investment. $150 million planned investment (2013)
Source
1997
Adopt a franchising modelStrategy
Background
Red Roof had historically owned and managed a substantial number of properties directly.
Action taken
The company opened its first franchised location in Branson, Missouri.
Aftermath
Franchising became an important part of the chain's later growth and organizational structure.
Source

Recent events

2021
Red Roof separates franchising business into Red Roof Franchising[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Other
The franchising operation was placed into a separate business entity, Red Roof Franchising, LLC.
2020
State House Inn leaves The Red Collection[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
M&A
The State House Inn in Springfield, Illinois left The Red Collection and joined the Trademark by Wyndham association.
2018
Red Roof introduces The Red Collection[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
Red Roof announced a soft brand for urban midscale hotels featuring modern interiors influenced by their individual city locations.
2018
Red Roof launches HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The company launched an extended-stay concept through a phased rollout of properties derived from earlier Crossland Economy Studios and Home Towne Suites operations.
2016
Red Roof enters Japan with Osaka hotel[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
The brand expanded into Japan with a property in the Namba area of Osaka.
2015
Red Roof opens first international hotel in Brazil[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Product launch
Red Roof opened a hotel in Curitiba, its first reported international location, as part of a planned Brazilian development program with Nobile Hotels.
2014
Red Roof launches Red Roof PLUS+[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Product launch · Product generation
The company introduced Red Roof PLUS+ as an upscale-economy extension with upgraded rooms and additional guest amenities.
2013
Red Roof announces nationwide NextGen renovation program[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
Product generation · Other
The chain announced a $150 million investment to renovate existing hotels and introduce the NextGen room design.
2007
Accor agrees to sell Red Roof Inn[1]Red Roof Innen.wikipedia.org
M&A
Accor announced the sale of Red Roof Inn to Citigroup Global Special Situations Group and Westbridge Hospitality Fund LP for approximately $1.3 billion, while indicating that it would focus its North American lodging strategy on Motel 6.

Sources5 sources

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