It all began in 1973. Builder, contractor and future Indy-winning race team owner James R. Trueman opened the first Red Roof Inn in Columbus, Ohio (and charged guests just $8.50 a night).

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For 50 years, we’ve kept our focus on building the right relationships and producing results. This means guests and franchisees get our full attention. At each of our 600+ locations, we offer incredible value and prove that economy and quality can exist at the same property.

And now we’ve introduced Red Roof PLUS+®, a brand extension perfectly fit for hotels looking to revive their property at a reasonable cost (and optimal return), The Red Collection™, a new group of midscale, hyper-local hotels inspired by their city’s vibe and culture, and HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof™ to accommodate the fastest growing lodging segment while enjoying all of the benefits of doing business with Red Roof.

 

Red Roof Milestones
 

1970s

• In 1973, the “rooms only” motel chain opens in Columbus, Ohio, by the late James R. Trueman. His goal? Provide a clean, comfortable room at a fair price.

• February 20, 1973: The first Red Roof opens in Columbus (Grove City), Ohio. The single-room rate was just $8.50.

 

1980s

• 1980: A toll-free reservation system provides guests with an 800-number. This is the first step in creating a computerized front desk management system.

• 1982: The RediCard®, Red Roof’s guest identification card, is introduced, and makes reservations through the toll-free number faster and easier for guests.

• 1984: Computerized property-management systems connect to the corporate office. This was a first in the economy lodging segment.

• 1988: The first TV and radio advertising campaign launches. The TV ads featured comedian Martin Mull.

• 1990s

• 1992: Red Roof introduces a toll-free number, 1-800-843-9999, using a telecommunications device (TDD) for the hearing-impaired. TDD machines were available at all locations.

• 1994: The Morgan Stanley Real Estate Fund, L.P. purchases Red Roof from the Trueman family.

• 1997. Red Roof Inn opens its first franchise property in Branson, Missouri.

 

2000s

• “Red,” the bobble-head road warrior, is unveiled as the new spokesperson for Red Roof, voiced by John Goodman on TV and radio.

• 2001: The RediCard® program is re-launches as RediCard® Preferred Member—a points-based loyalty program that rewards guests with a free night for about every 10 paid nights. A special reservations line, regular member communications, and enhanced express check-in are just a few more new member benefits.

• The first Internet discount program, Red Hot Deals® is promoted at redroof.com.

• Red Roof launches its Superior King Room for value-conscious leisure and business travelers. New features enhance the brand’s original King Room by adding a communications package with high-speed Wi-Fi, unlimited local and long-distance calls, and fax service.

• Red Roof Inn becomes the first economy lodging economy brand to offer an upgraded bedding package, and receives a #1 rating in bedding comfort by J.D. Power.

• Red Roof Inn is awarded first place in the economy hotel category by Best Travel News.

• Corporate offices are relocated to the historic brewery district in Columbus, OH.

 

2010

• ​Red Roof makes keeping in touch while traveling much easier for guests through Free Communication. Available at locations nationwide, guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, local and long distance calls within the continental U.S., and up to 10 fax pages sent within continental U.S.

• Red Roof Inn is ranked #1 in Reservation Service by J.D. Power.

• Red Roof earns the highest customer satisfaction score among economy hotels according to the Market Metrix Global Satisfaction Index.

• For a second year in a row, World Franchising Network and USA Today® name Red Roof one of the “50 Top Franchises for Minorities.”2013

• Red Roof unveils its $200 million dollar NextGen® renovation—an investment to upgrade hotels nationwide with sleek, modern redesign elements.

• Red Roof adds flat screen TVs to all rooms nationwide.

• Red Roof expands their corporate office in Columbus, OH.

• Red Roof celebrates 40 years in business as a leader in economy lodging.

 

2014

• For the fifth consecutive year, ReviewMetrix™ names Red Roof the #1 Economy Hotel.

• Red Roof WOWs guests with its newest guest experience, Red Roof PLUS+®.

• Red Roof opens its 400th property in Council Bluffs, Iowa.

 

2015

• Red Roof partners with Nobile Hotéis to open its first international location in Brazil.

• Red Roof signs a 20-year deal to build or brand up to 40 hotels in Canada with Pacrim Hospitality Services Inc. and Glenn Squires.

• Red Roof opens a development office, located at 5847 San Felipe Suite 4650, Houston, TX 77057.

• Red Roof announces a partnership with Paragon Hotels Limited to develop 30 hotels across Thailand.

 

2016

• Red Roof hosts the first of its kind Red Roof Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs, a conference designed to teach, inform, and uplift female entrepreneurs.

• Red Roof launches our Verified Wi-Fi program. Responding to the needs of guests, Red Roof has designated properties that have been tested and increased their Wi-Fi to high speeds. Guests can stream music and movies, and business travelers can work efficiently while traveling.

• Red Roof opens its first international property in Vitoria, Brazil. 

• Red Roof opens its first property in Japan, Red Roof PLUS+ Osaka-Namba.

 

2017

• Red Roof launches The Red Collection™, our first soft brand, for travelers who want modern, unique properties in the center of their favorite cities—with the affordability they expect from the Red Roof brand. 

• Red Roof opens its 500th property in Biloxi, MS and its 50th Red Roof PLUS+ location in Irondale, Alabama.

 

2018

• The St. Clair Hotel™, the first property in The Red Collection™, opens in the heart of downtown Chicago.

• The Red Collection™ first franchised property, State House Inn, centrally located in Springfield, IL opens.

• Red Roof launches extended stay brand HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof™.

 

2019

• For the ninth straight year, Medallia names Red Roof #1 in online guest reviews among competitive Economy Hotels. 

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2022 

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• Red Roof celebrates its 50th anniversary as a brand

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