Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently senior editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
AAHOA’s 12 POINTS of Fair Franchising are meant to serve as a template for hotel franchisers to use in how they relate to association members. One of those franchisers, G6 Hospitality, recently responded and let AAHOA leadership know how they’re applying the points.
G6, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6 economy brands, provided an analysis of all the 12 points in which the company provides additional commentary and clarification around the brand’s practices related to its franchisees, according to AAHOA. The association released the 12 Points in April as part of educational offerings.
Rob Palleschi, CEO of G6 Hospitality, said his company emphasizes open communication and collaboration with its franchisees.
“We value our relationship with AAHOA and are committed to open communication and collaboration to support both our owners and our industry,” said Rob Palleschi, CEO of G6 Hospitality.
In one example, regarding Point 7 on maintaining and building relationships, G6 says it works closely with trade associations that represent owners’ interests, such as AAHOA, to understand franchisee issues and cultivate its relationships with all owners.
“G6 engages with its franchisees individually and through a representative owner’s council to ensure that franchisee voices are heard and considered,” the company said in a statement. “Many members of our Owners Advisory Council are members of AAHOA. Further, G6 continually looks to update and improve its business model and seeks input and engagement from our franchise network.”
G6 Hospitality has been a long-time partner and supporter of AAHOA, said Neal Patel, AAHOA’s chairman.
“Their willingness to engage with AAHOA regarding where they stand in relation to AAHOA’s 12 Points of Fair Franchising demonstrates G6 Hospitality's commitment to transparency, collaboration, communication, and mutual respect,” he said. “AAHOA commends and celebrates G6 Hospitality's willingness to communicate openly, which will ultimately help build a better hospitality franchise system and contribute to a better mutual understanding regarding its franchisor-franchisee relationships and agreements.”
AAHOA has been in touch with leaders at several companies to promote the 12 Points and gather input.
“I’m grateful for G6 Hospitality's willingness to participate and strive for excellence regarding their fair franchising practices and to evaluate critical areas of the franchisor-franchisee relationship,” said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. “While we recognize and understand the complicated nature of franchise agreements, G6 Hospitality’s transparency and ongoing efforts to keep lines of communication open further underscore the importance of the effectiveness of open, two-way communication,” Blake said. “Their willingness to look inward and assess where they stand in relation to AAHOA’s 12 Points is something that should be applauded.”
Patel said G6’s analysis shows the company’s commitment to AAHOA members.
“Most importantly, it addresses many components of the 12 Points in an educational manner that will prove to be beneficial for AAHOA Members and other current and future franchisees,” Patel said.
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
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