Motel 6 gets upscale

March 24th 2008

Motel 6's appeal has been affordability more than anything else. Now, they're stepping up their game by redefining the rules of the inexpensive, roadside motel. They're moving in the direction toward bathroom granite countertops and flat-screen TVs. Lucky for us, competitors are following the trend.

Motel 6's CEO, Olivier Poirot made sure to publicize to its patrons that this first major redesign in about a dozen years is not going to change its fundamental appeal-price. The chain has grown some 45 years by pledging to highway travelers a clean room, free coffee and premium cable channels at low rates. In spite of the modern look, the motel will stay true to its low-rate strategy. The cost of an average room at Motel 6 last year was $45.26.

In the end, the decision was to add more value into the customer without changing its overall position in the discount motel market. No more busy and loud colored bed spreads. You'll see more stylish tones and carpets replaced with wood-looking floors. Also, furnishings will bear resemblance to IKEA and West Elm.

The project will put Motel 6 as the first economy chain to feature 32-inch flat-screen TVs, and guests will have the ability to plug in laptops, MP3 players and access Wi-Fi.