Vantage Hospitality
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Fate | Acquired by Red Lion Hotels Corporation in 2016 |
| Headquarters | Coral Springs, Florida , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada |
| Products | Hotel franchising; economy and midscale lodging |
Vantage Hospitality Group Inc. was a U.S.-based hotel company managing more than 1,000 properties throughout the United States and Canada as of 2016. Its brand lineup featured names such as Best Value Inn and Lexington by Vantage. Headquartered in Coral Springs, Florida, the firm specialized in franchising economy and midscale lodging options.
History
Established in 1999, Vantage Hospitality grew its presence by developing multiple brands, including Best Value Inn and Value Inn Worldwide. The introduction of Lexington by Vantage in 2005 aimed to attract a wider clientele. The company received accolades within the industry, notably winning the 2010 Hotel Vikas diamond award for Best Hotel Franchisor.
In 2014, Vantage expanded through acquisition by acquiring America's Best Franchising. This move incorporated additional brands like America's Best Inns & Suites, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, Jameson Inn, Signature Inn, and 3 Palms Hotels and Resorts into its offerings. By 2015, plans were underway to reposition Signature Inn as a budget-friendly chain with new builds, aligning with its strategic focus on brand growth and franchise development.
On September 14, 2016, Red Lion Hotels Corporation purchased Vantage Hospitality for $23 million, absorbing its subsidiaries to broaden Red Lion’s presence in the economy lodging sector. Later, on December 30, 2020, Red Lion announced its acquisition by Sonesta International Hotels Corporation in a $90 million cash deal finalized in March 2021. The brands America's Best Value Inn and Canada's Best Value Inn continue operating within Sonesta’s economy division.
This progression underscores Vantage’s strategic approach to franchising and acquisitions that bolstered its market position and supported ongoing expansion within the hospitality sector.
Brands
- America's Best Inns: An economy-level hotel chain currently being phased out, with most locations converting to America's Best Value Inns.
- America's Best Value Inns: A mid-economy hotel brand comprising over 1,000 properties across the United States and serving as a principal brand.
- Canada's Best Value Inns: Economy hotels located throughout Canada.
- Country Hearth Inns & Suites: Upper economy to lower midscale accommodations offering rooms and suites along with complimentary breakfast.
- Jameson Inn: Midscale hotels predominantly situated in the Southern U.S. region.
- Lexington Hotels & Inns: Midscale to upscale inns, suites, and resorts featuring amenities such as on-site dining, business centers, and fitness facilities; includes both conversions and new developments.
- Value Inns Worldwide: Economy hotels operating internationally.
- 3 Palms Hotels & Resorts: A smaller collection of hotels and resorts.
Loyalty programs
Vantage’s loyalty initiatives include the Value Club Card available at America's Best Value Inn and Canada's Best Value Inn properties, which offers guests a 15% discount plus partner benefits. Lexington hotels participate in the Voilà Hotel Rewards program that provides points and additional perks. Notably, America's Best Value Inn and Canada's Best Value Inn have since been incorporated into the Sonesta loyalty program.
America's Best Franchising
(Not to be confused with America's Best Value Inn)
America's Best Franchising, based in Atlanta, Georgia, was a U.S. hospitality company managing several brands such as America's Best Inn, Country Hearth Inns & Suites, Jameson Inn, 3 Palms Hotel, Parkside Hotels, and Budgetel. The brand America's Best Inn was originally established in Marion, Illinois. The Budgetel name was reintroduced following its transition from Baymont Inn & Suites. The Country Hearth brand traces its origins back to 1983 when it launched as Homeplace Inn in Angleton, Texas.
The Budgetel Franchise System operates as a hotel franchisor within the United States and Canada. Founded in Atlanta in 2007 by entrepreneurs Mike and R. C. Patel after purchasing the brand from Blackstone Group, Budgetel began franchising through America's Best Franchising, Inc. in 2009.
In 2014, Vantage Hospitality acquired America's Best Franchising, incorporating most of ABF’s brands into its own lineup. Budgetel continues to be managed by Hospitality Lodging Systems. This acquisition broadened Vantage’s presence and enhanced its range of offerings within the midscale hotel sector.