WORLD PROPERTY CHANNEL ®

(CARROLLTON, TX) -- Noting a downturn at the higher-priced inns, Accor North America has opened 25 budget-priced Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations in the first half.

"We are very pleased with our pace of growth so far this year and are looking forward to adding even more properties to our network in the second half of 2009," says Olivier Poirot, CEO for Accor North America, Motel 6 and Studio 6.

Olivier Poirot

"In this difficult economic environment, travelers need more of what Motel 6 offers - the best price/value at the most convenient locations."

The latest openings include 24 Motel 6 locations and one Studio 6 property, with a room count of 1,961. In line with Accor's plans to aggressively grow the number of franchise properties for its economy brands, Poirot says.

The 2009 additions include 29 new franchises (six of which were previously Motel 6 corporate-owned properties) and two corporate acquisitions, covering 16 states and one Canadian province. 

Accor North America currently has over 1,000 economy lodging locations in the U.S. and Canada, with roughly 35 percent of its network consisting of franchises. 

Poirot says Motel 6 offers the best price of any national chain at more than 1,000 company-owned and franchised locations throughout the U.S. and Canada. 

He says, "For 23 years, Motel 6 has used the tagline, 'We'll leave the light on for you,'  earning the chain the highest brand recognition in the economy lodging segment.
 
Motel 6 was the first national pet friendly chain, welcoming pets since 1962. 

Studio 6 is the extended-stay arm of Motel 6. Located across North America in more than 50 locations, the hotel offers accommodations in major commercial destinations that ideal for travelers in need of temporary housing, Poirot says.

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