Comfort Inn
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Comfort Inn is a member of Choice Hotels, one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With such sweeping brand recognition and over 2,000 locations worldwide, Comfort Inn has established itself as a leader in providing a warm atmosphere, helpful service, and high operational standards. Customers enjoy complimentary high-speed internet access as well as a complimentary hot breakfast and newspaper. As a member of Choice Hotels International, Comfort Inn franchisees have access to a support system and business model that has withstood over 20 years in the lodging industry. Comfort Inn franchisees can take pride in the established name of Choice Hotels and the value-driven service it provides for all its customers.
| |
Operating Units |
12/31/2008 |
12/31/2009 |
12/31/2010 |
|---|
| | Franchised |
1,998 |
2,050 |
2,053 |
| | % Change | -- |
2.6% |
0.1% |
| | Company-Owned |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| | % Change | -- |
-- |
-- |
| | Total |
1,998 |
2,050 |
2,053 |
| | % Change | -- |
2.6% |
0.1% |
| | Franchised as % of Total |
100.0% |
100.0% |
100.0% |
Investment Required
The initial fee for a Comfort Inn franchise is $500 per room with a $50,000 minimum.
Comfort Inn provides the following range of investments required to open your initial franchise. The range assumes that all items are paid for in cash. To the extent that you choose to finance any of these expense items, your front-end investment could be substantially reduced.
| |
Item | Established Low Range | Established High Range |
| |
Initial Franchise/Affiliation Fee |
$500/room, min $50,000 |
$500/room, min $50,000 |
|
Architectural Plans & Inspections |
$90,000 |
$150,000 |
|
Soil Tests |
$3,000 |
$12,000 |
|
Legal Fees |
$10,000 |
$45,000 |
|
Environmental Impact Study |
$0 |
$16,000 |
|
Market Study |
$10,000 |
$15,000 |
|
Travel |
$0 |
$25,000 |
|
Construction |
$55,000/room |
$65,000/room |
|
Insurance, Construction |
$10,000 |
$15,000 |
| |
Salaries |
$50,000 |
$120,000 |
| |
Pre-Opening Advertising |
$5,000 |
$60,000 |
|
Professional Online Hotel Photography |
$450 minimum |
$450 minimum |
|
Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment |
$5,500/room |
$5,500/room |
|
choiceADVANTAGE Systems |
$15,050 |
$20,750 |
|
Insurance, General Liability |
$1,000 |
$40,000 |
|
Insurance, Workers Compensation |
$1,000 |
$30,000 |
|
Opening Inventories of Supplies |
$700/room |
$1,400/room |
|
TLC Orientation Fee |
$1,350 |
$1,350 |
|
HOST Training Fee |
$999 |
$999 |
|
Educational Resources Program |
$200 |
$200 |
|
High Speed Internet Access |
$10,000 |
$20,000 |
|
Mandatory On-Premise Signs |
$20,000 |
$80,000 |
|
Working Capital Required Before Operations Begin |
$95,000 |
$165,000 |
|
Additional Funds (3 Months) |
$70,000 |
$100,000 |
| |
Total Initial Investment |
$6,744,449 |
$8,414,149 |
Ongoing Expenses
Comfort Inn franchisees pay ongoing royalty fees equal to 5.65% of the preceding month’s gross room revenues, plus an annual marketing cooperative fee ranging from $400 to $2,400.
What You Get—Training and Support
The Opening Service department aids the franchisee in all pre-opening aspects of business, from architectural and property improvement plan reviews to marketing programs and training course coordination. Additionally, Opening Services Consultants help franchisees to ensure that they meet brand standards and have the knowledge and tools to assist the franchisee in passing the hotel’s first Quality Assurance Review.
Franchisees undergo an initial training at the Choice Hotels headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The training covers global sales, franchise services support, brand management, marketing and much more. Additional support includes an advance reservation system, marketing and advertising via direct sales, online media, newspapers, and television campaigns.
Territory
Comfort Inn does not grant exclusive territories.
Note: The tables and information regarding the number of operating units, investment required, on-going expenses, training and territory grants were taken from the company’s 2011 FDD. The 2011 write-ups will be incorporated into the 2012 Edition of Bond’s Top 100 Franchises publication.
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