Red 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 guests
- 1982 first computer reservations system installed
- 1984 first economy hotel chain to connect site computer systems to a corporate office
- 1986 James Trueman, founder of Red Roof Inn, passed away
- 1988 first television and radio advertising campaign for the Inn
- 1989 a satellite dish was installed at Red Roof Inn’s corporate office to transmit and receive communications between inns and corporate
- 1992 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 Exchange
- 1999 Accor, an international leader in travel, tourism, and business services, purchased all outstanding shares of Red Roof Inn stock
- 2001 the first economy- brand, points based loyalty program, the RediCard® Preferred Member, was introduced
- 2001 online discount program Red Hot Deals® was created at redroof.com
- 2006 Red Roof Inn became the first economy lodging brand to offer an upgraded bedding package
- 2007 Westmont Hospitality Group purchased Red Roof Inn
- 2008 launched all-inclusive King Room aimed at business travelers- including free wifi, long distance calls within the U.S., and faxes
- 2010 made wifi,long distance calls within the U.S., and faxing up to 10 pages free for all guests
- 2011 launched mobile website
- 2012 Red Roof Inn launched its newly updated website
- 2012 Red Roof Inn promotes NextGen Renovations and Red Roof Luvs Pets
- 2012 expanded corporate office, launched new reservations system, doubled digital presence
About Red Roof Inn
Red 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.
Accolades
Although 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 News
- 2006 rated #1 in bedding comfort by J.D. Power
- 2009 Red Roof Inn received a Bronze Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for the Red Roof Loves Country PR Campaign
- 2009 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. Powers
- 2010 Red Roof Inns earned the highest customer satisfaction score among all economy hotels according to the Market Metrix Global Satisfaction Index
- 2010 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. Powers
- 2011 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 Hotel
Celebrating 40 years
Red 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 choice
- April (40) 37” flat screen television
- May (1) 7day/6night trip for a family of 4
- June (40) NextGen flooring package
- July (40) NextGen mattress set
- August (1) A 1973 classic car
- September (1) 40,000 RediCard points
- October (1) Grand Prize of $40,000
In 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!”