In 1960, two visionary commercial real estate contractors in Southern California embarked on a cross-country road trip with their families. Dismayed at the limited choice of consistent, affordable lodging available to the average leisure traveler, the two decided to offer something different. The result: A motel that provides a clean, comfortable room for the best price. We still hold the highest brand recognition in the economy lodging segment.
1965
In 1965, Motel 6 opens its first location outside California in Salt Lake City, Utah.
1994
Motel 6 accelerated its expansion by adopting the franchisee model. The first Motel 6 franchise location opened in Williams, Arizona.
Logo Evolution
Although our brand promise remains the
same, our logo has experienced four makeovers throughout the decades.
2000
Motel 6 goes international opening its first location outside the U.S. in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. We’re also expanding our international footprint in Latin America with the Hotel 6/Estudio 6 brand and in India under the Motel 6, Studio 6 and Hotel 6 brands.
Rise of the Phoenix
Our property rooms have received many facelifts to keep with the times. In 2009, Project Phoenix took flight with the first prototype at a Northlake, Texas, Motel 6. The slick new European-like room design prompted a substantial nationwide renovation program in 2012 and has transformed our rooms to the modern look we now have today.
2017
Fifty-five years later, Motel 6 is the largest owner/operator in the U.S. economy segment with more than 1,400 motels operating in 49 states and five Canadian provinces.
Two California contractors, William Becker and Paul Greene, saw a need for an economy motel on the California coast. They opened a 52-room motel in Santa Barbara, offering a good night’s sleep for the low, low price of just $6 per night (cash only). Fittingly, they decided to name it Motel 6. An American icon is born.
