Econo Lodge vs Quality Inn
Econo Lodge vs Quality Inn: Econo Lodge costs $470K–$2.8M to open; Quality Inn costs $317K–$2.0M. Econo Lodge has 606 units, Quality Inn has 819. SBA loan history: Econo Lodge = 794 loans (7.1% default); Quality Inn = 1,191 loans (5.3% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
Econo Lodge vs Quality Inn: Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan-level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Quality Inn requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($317K vs $470K for Econo Lodge), a 48% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $25K for Econo Lodge versus $40K for Quality Inn, Econo Lodge has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 6% for Econo Lodge and 5% for Quality Inn, giving Quality Inn the lighter per-unit drag on operating income.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Quality Inn operates 819 units to Econo Lodge's 606. Quality Inn has been operating 87 years (founded 1939) versus 57 for Econo Lodge (founded 1969), a 30-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
Quality Inn has the deeper SBA lending track record with 1,191 historical 7(a) approvals versus 794 for Econo Lodge. Econo Lodge's peak SBA year was 2021 (44 loans); Quality Inn's peak was 2015 (87 loans). Econo Lodge's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Geographically, Econo Lodge concentrates in CA (54 SBA-funded units) while Quality Inn leads in TX (84). Pick the brand whose strongest state matches yours for warmest lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Econo Lodge deals is $1.2M vs $2.1M for Quality Inn, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 7.1% for Econo Lodge and 5.3% for Quality Inn, Quality Inn has the cleaner historical loss profile by 1.8 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 68 (Strong) for Econo Lodge and 69 (Strong) for Quality Inn, giving Quality Inn the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 68/100 | 69/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Strong |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 794 | 1,191 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 7.1% | 5.3% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $470K – $2.8M | $317K – $2.0M |
Franchise Fee | $25K | $40K |
Royalty Rate | 6% | 5% |
Ad Fund | 7.9% | 7.9% |
Liquid Capital | $2.0M | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 606 | 819 |
Franchised Units | 606 | 819 |
Company-Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | 20 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 1969 | 1939 |
Franchising Since | 1960 | 1960 |
Years Franchising | 66 yrs | 66 yrs |
Headquarters | Rockville, MD | North Bethesda, MD |
Category | Hotels | Hotels |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2023 | 2025 |
Which Is Better, Econo Lodge or Quality Inn?
Lower upfront capital required
Quality Inn
Econo Lodge: $470K starting · Quality Inn: $317K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Quality Inn
Econo Lodge: 794 SBA loans · Quality Inn: 1,191 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Quality Inn
Econo Lodge: 7.1% · Quality Inn: 5.3%
Larger system & brand presence
Quality Inn
Econo Lodge: 606 units · Quality Inn: 819 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Quality Inn
Econo Lodge: 6% · Quality Inn: 5%
More lender financing options
Quality Inn
Econo Lodge: 246 unique lenders · Quality Inn: 288 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation. Your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
Econo Lodge vs Quality Inn: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Econo Lodge and Quality Inn is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $317K to $2.8M.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, Econo Lodge with 794 SBA loans and Quality Inn with 1,191. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands, not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice, consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.
Econo Lodge vs Quality Inn, Frequently Asked Questions
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