April 2013 | Business Anniversaries

History of Red Roof InnRed Roof Inn was started in Columbus, Ohio in 1972 by a local builder James Trueman. Trueman wanted to create an economy hotel focused on value, where guests would be able to stay in a “nice place at a nice price.” This meant quality and comfort at a reasonable price. When the Red Roof Inn first opened in 1973, room rates were just $8.50 a night! Today, Red Roof is a leader among the economy hotel chains, and has over 350 inns in 36 states, employs over 6,000 people and serves millions of guests each year. Listed below are some of the milestones in the Red Roof Inn’s history.1980 a toll-free 800 number was enacted for guests1982 first computer reservations system installed1984 first economy hotel chain to connect site computer systems to a corporate office1986 James Trueman, founder of Red Roof Inn, passed away1988 first television and radio advertising campaign for the Inn1989 a satellite dish was installed at Red Roof Inn’s corporate office to transmit and receive communications between inns and corporate1992 introduced a toll-free number for hearing impaired persons. TDD machines made available at all of the inns.1996 the largest privately owned economy hotel chain in the U.S.1996 the company became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange1999 Accor, an international leader in travel, tourism, and business services, purchased all outstanding shares of Red Roof Inn stock2001 the first economy- brand, points based loyalty program, the RediCard® Preferred Member, was introduced2001 online discount program Red Hot Deals® was created at redroof.com2006 Red Roof Inn became the first economy lodging brand to offer an upgraded bedding package2007 Westmont Hospitality Group purchased Red Roof Inn2008 launched all-inclusive King Room aimed at business travelers- including free wifi, long distance calls within the U.S., and faxes2010 made wifi,long distance calls within the U.S., and faxing up to 10 pages free for all guests2011 launched mobile website2012 Red Roof Inn launched its newly updated website2012 Red Roof Inn promotes NextGen Renovations and Red Roof Luvs Pets2012 expanded corporate office, launched new reservations system, doubled digital presenceAbout Red Roof InnRed Roof Inn is renovating properties with NextGen upgrades which focus on comfort, a home away from home feel, and a design concept that is simple, sleek, and modern. In addition, all locations are high tech, providing free in-room wi-fi, so you can keep in touch with family while away from home. Red Roof Inn also understands that pets are family too, so most locations are pet friendly, and even allow your pet to stay for free. We spoke with Bev Mapes, Secretary of the Grand Rapids Agility Club, about the pet friendly provision. “Many of our members stay at Red Roof Inn when travelling to trials in other cities. They’ve been very accommodating with our dogs, and my own dog Cosmo likes it there too.”Many locations provide free continental breakfast, and for those pressed for time in the mornings, “Ready-Set-Go” breakfast bags are available. Red Roof Inn also respects the environment. Their “Staying Red, Going Green®” program proudly combines high standards with being environmentally conscious.AccoladesAlthough having many industry “firsts,” the economy hotel chain has received the most recognition in recent years.2006 Red Roof Inn was awarded first place in the economy hotel category by Best Travel News2006 rated #1 in bedding comfort by J.D. Power2009 Red Roof Inn received a Bronze Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for the Red Roof Loves Country PR Campaign2009 World Franchising Network and USA Today® named Red Roof Inn as one of the “50 Top Franchises for Minorities”2010 Red Roof Inn was ranked #1 in Reservation Service according to J.D. Powers2010 Red Roof Inns earned the highest customer satisfaction score among all economy hotels according to the Market Metrix Global Satisfaction Index2010 World Franchising Network and USA Today® named Red Roof Inn as one of the “50 Top Franchises for Minorities”2010 Red Roof Inn received a Gold Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI)2011 Red Roof Inn received a Gold Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for “Red Roof Inn Pets Promotion”2011 Red Roof Inn received a Gold Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for “Red Roof Inn Summer Coupon Book Press Kit”2011 Red Roof Inn was ranked #1 in Reservation Services according to J.D. Powers2011 Red roof Inn was ranked #1 by ReviewMetrix®2012 Red Roof Inn received a Platinum Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for the “Rediscover America Press Kit.”2012 #1 in 2012 Economy HotelCelebrating 40 yearsRed Roof Inn is celebrating being 40 and fabulous with prizes each month in the 40 and Fabulous Sweepstakes. As a bonus, RediCard members are automatically entered in a monthly drawing to win a Tablet!March (40) A free night at the Red Roof location of winner’s choiceApril (40) 37” flat screen televisionMay (1) 7day/6night trip for a family of 4June (40) NextGen flooring packageJuly (40) NextGen mattress setAugust (1) A 1973 classic carSeptember (1) 40,000 RediCard pointsOctober (1) Grand Prize of $40,000In addition to the sweepstakes, Red Roof Inn has 40th anniversary specials including: stay at any Red Roof Inn on your 40th birthday in 2013 to receive a fixed room rate of $19.73 for that night, and travel with your pet in April and save 15%Join us in congratulating the Red Roof Inn on its 40th anniversary of providing a “Nice Place, For a Nice Price!”

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