Quality Inn

Quality Inn is a midscale hotel brand under Choice Hotels International, Inc. It began in Florida in 1939 as Quality Courts United, a marketing cooperative formed by seven motor court owners. Two years later, it became the first hotel chain in the United States. Stewart Bainum’s Park Consolidated Motels acquired it in 1968, after which it became Quality Courts, Inc. In 1972, it was renamed Quality Inns International, Inc. Quality Inn is headquartered in North Bethesda, Maryland, U.S., and has 870 franchised units in the most recent franchise data. The broader Choice Hotels system includes more than 1,800 hotels worldwide, with reports listing 1,899 locations as of December 31, 2024, and more than 2,000 globally by 2025. Choice Hotels International, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange as CHH and oversees nearly 7,500 hotels and approximately 630,000 rooms across 46 countries and territories. President and Chief Executive Officer Patrick Pacious leads the company. Quality Inn grew from seven motor courts in 1939 to 100 hotels by 1952 and 1,000 domestic properties in 2010, giving buyers a long operating history to review.

The Hotels except Casino Hotels category represents a multi billion dollar global market supported by leisure travel, business travel, road trips, and demand for overnight accommodation. Midscale hotels often appeal to travelers seeking value during changing economic conditions. Quality Inn’s origins in the motor court concept fit the continued popularity of road travel, while an aging vehicle fleet can increase the need for accessible overnight stays. Rising disposable incomes in emerging markets support international travel, and domestic tourism continues to benefit from demand for experiences. Choice Hotels operates in more than 40 countries and 46 territories, showing the size of the market available to the brand family. Hotel franchises can offer tangible asset ownership, recurring revenue potential, and established brand recognition. The sector includes large brand families such as Choice Hotels International, Inc., with nearly 7,500 hotels, alongside many independent operators. Choice Hotels gives Quality Inn access to marketing, reservation systems, and operating resources. In 2025, the company signed a 70 unit distribution agreement in China expected to generate more than 100 Comfort and Quality hotels. It also signed a 50 unit Quality Suites agreement in France that nearly doubled its footprint from 57 to 107 franchised hotels.

The initial Quality Inn franchise fee is $40,000. Other reported franchise fee figures range from $10,750 to $50,000, with additional figures of $35,000 and $45,000, depending on factors such as property type and market. Total initial investment ranges from $316,945 to $2.05 million. The property format, new construction or conversion, land costs, location, and build out or renovation needs can materially affect the amount required. Some sources cite total investment as high as $10 million, while the $316,945 to $2.05 million range represents the stated franchise data profile. They support brand development, marketing, and Choice Hotels’ reservation systems. The investment requires substantial capital but provides access to Choice Hotels’ nearly 7,500 hotels and approximately 630,000 rooms. The company is led by President and CEO Patrick Pacious. The starting investment of $316,945 can be lower than that of many premium hotel brands, although buyers still need serious financial capacity. The opportunity is generally eligible for Small Business Administration financing for qualified investors.

Quality Inn franchise operations require active property management. Owners must coordinate staff for 24 hour front desk coverage, housekeeping, and property upkeep. Staffing levels depend on local labor conditions and property size. Properties are commonly conversions of existing hotels or new construction, while the brand’s motor court history reflects flexibility across property types and sizes. Choice Hotels provides training covering brand standards, operating procedures, the global reservation system, and revenue management. The Franchise Disclosure Document outlines the training duration and hands on hours. Franchisees also receive access to reservation technology, national marketing funded by the 7.9% advertising fee, property management tools, guest relationship systems, digital marketing platforms, and field consultant guidance. Choice Hotels’ scale can support supply chain cost efficiencies. Hotel franchises generally use a property location agreement rather than a broad geographic territory, so a Quality Inn property does not face direct competition from another Quality Inn in the immediate vicinity. Choice Hotels encourages multi unit ownership. A semi absentee structure may be possible with a capable general manager, but initial setup and sustained performance often require an engaged owner operator.

Choice Hotels International, Inc. is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange as CHH and releases reports covering its overall portfolio, which includes Quality Inn. The company oversees nearly 7,500 hotels and approximately 630,000 rooms across 46 countries. Midscale properties supported by recognized brands can produce healthy margins when owners control operations and guest service. Quality Inn has a Strong Loan Activity Score of 69, based on independent research metrics covering the franchise system. Its growth record includes seven motor courts in 1939, 100 hotels by 1952, 1,000 domestic properties in 2010, and 1,600 domestic properties by 2018. The brand recorded 44 openings in 2024 and awarded 57 U.S. agreements in 2025, a double digit increase. International agreements included the 70 unit China distribution deal and the 50 unit Quality Suites agreement in France. A Quality Inn property also opened in Rajkot, India, in 2025. These developments show continued investment by Choice Hotels and its operators, though buyers should assess property level economics independently.

Quality Inn began with seven motor courts in 1939, reached 50 hotels by 1946 and 100 by 1952, and grew its affiliate network to 340 by 1959. The network reached almost 600 locations by 1963, while association membership exceeded 24,000 rooms by 1969. The brand reached 1,000 domestic properties in 2010 and 1,600 in 2018. It recorded 44 openings in 2024 and 57 U.S. agreements in 2025. Choice Hotels signed a 70 unit distribution agreement in China in 2025, projected to generate more than 100 Comfort and Quality hotels over the following four years. In France, a 50 unit Quality Suites agreement increased the company’s footprint from 57 to 107 franchised hotels and added more than 4,800 rooms. A property opened in Rajkot, India, in 2025. Quality Inn benefits from recognition built since 1939 and from Choice Hotels’ nearly 7,500 hotels, marketing resources, reservation systems, and supply chain scale. The brand’s Strong Loan Activity Score of 69 provides another indicator of franchise system performance. Choice Hotels is also investing in reservation technology and guest loyalty programs. Quality Inn serves the midscale segment across 46 countries and territories.

A prospective Quality Inn franchisee should have business judgment and a basic understanding of hospitality operations. Direct hotel experience is not always required because Choice Hotels provides training, but candidates need management ability, staff oversight skills, and the capacity to manage revenue for a substantial asset. The total initial investment of $316,945 to $2.05 million indicates a need for considerable financial capacity and access to capital. Choice Hotels often encourages multi unit ownership, particularly among experienced hospitality operators. Quality Inn operates worldwide, with expansion in the United States and international markets including France, China, India, Poland, and Canada. Properties can operate in urban, suburban, and highway adjacent locations serving business and leisure travelers. The period from signing an agreement to opening commonly ranges from 12 to 24 months, depending on new construction or conversion, permitting, and construction schedules. The franchise agreement term is 20 years. Renewal terms are described in the Franchise Disclosure Document and generally require current brand standards and a renewal fee. Transfers and resales follow the franchise agreement, with franchisor approval and applicable transfer fees required.

Quality Inn is a midscale hotel franchise backed by Choice Hotels International, Inc. Its history extends to 1939, and recent activity includes 44 openings in 2024 and 57 U.S. agreements awarded in 2025. The Strong Loan Activity Score of 69 provides an additional measure of system performance. Choice Hotels’ international activity includes agreements in China and France in 2025 and a property opening in Rajkot, India, in 2025. Franchise support includes a global reservation system, marketing funded by a 7.9% advertising fee, and technology for property and guest management. The $40,000 franchise fee and total investment range of $316,945 to $2.05 million place Quality Inn within a mid tier hotel investment profile. The 20 year agreement offers a long operating period, while the business remains subject to location, occupancy, operating costs, and property condition. PeerSense helps franchise buyers review SBA lending history, the Loan Activity Score, location maps with Google ratings, available FDD financial data, and side by side franchise comparisons. PeerSense introduces buyers to SBA and conventional lenders for financing discussions and does not lend or approve loans.