Our Story

The Motel 6 story began in response to a simple, yet unmet need: consistently affordable, comfortable lodging.

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Our Story

The Motel 6 story began in response to a simple, yet unmet need: consistently affordable, comfortable lodging.

Original Motel 6 Logo

When William Becker and Paul Greene started the company in 1962, they were construction company owners who struggled to find cost-effective, reliable options for their work crews and family when traveling across the country on projects. Thanks to their vision for Motel 6, the economy lodging segment was born.

It’s a segment Motel 6 continues to lead today. For more than 60 years, we’ve been known as the best place to find a clean, comfortable room with great service at a fair price. Thanks to our iconic brand and household name recognition, we are synonymous with travel value.

We understand what our guests are looking for when choosing a hotel – whether it’s a family vacationing on the beach in Florida, a business traveler with a layover in Chicago, or a truck driver and his dog driving through California. They want a place to stay that is convenient, at a great price, but still offers a quality experience. In short, they are looking for an affordable place to sleep, so they can spend the rest of their time and hard-earned money enjoying their trip or getting the job done so they can return to their family. Our job? Helping them save more for what they travel for.

While we have stayed true to our practical, genuine roots as a company, we are not resting on our laurels. Motel 6 continues to innovate, evolve and improve. Across the country, we’ve introduced a fresh new look through renovations and new construction. We’ve unveiled new design prototypes to owners to ensure our properties are familiar and classic, yet with contemporary features, our guests appreciate.

But we’re not stopping there.  Motel 6 is working diligently to build upon the longstanding legacy of our business. Our path forward is clear: hold ourselves accountable and improve our performance every day to provide a positive experience at every location for every guest.

  • 1962

     

    The lights at the first Motel 6 come on in Santa Barbara, California, welcoming people and pets for just $6 per night.

  • 1971

     

    Motel 6 opens its largest location, Motel 6 Tropicana, amid the glittery lights of Las Vegas, Nevada.

  • 1980

     

    Motel 6 reaches 300 locations and introduces rentable color-TVs in guest rooms.

  • 1986

     
    Motel 6 begins its award-winning “We’ll leave the light on for you®” advertising campaign featuring the voice of Tom Bodett.

  • 1987

     

    Motel 6 turns 25 years old.

  • 1999

     

    Motel 6 launches Studio 6 Extended Stay suites featuring fully-equipped kitchenettes designed for longer stays.

  • 2000

     
    Motel 6 goes international, opening its first location outside the U.S. in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

  • 2002

     
    Motel 6th celebrates its 40th birthday at the first location in Santa Barbara, California.

  • 2006

     
    Motel 6 invests more than $6 million in properties to help rebuild New Orleans and Gulfport following Hurricane Katrina.

  • 2009

     
    Motel 6 introduces its first, newly constructed Phoenix prototype in Northlake, Texas, revolutionizing the economy lodging experience with energy-saving features and a sleek, modern design.

  • 2010

     
    Motel 6’s all new room design wins the 2010 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Large Hotel.

  • 2011

     
    Motel 6 opens its 1,100th location in Cleburne, Texas.

  • 2012

     
    Motel 6 turns 50 years old and celebrates 50 years of still saving you money.

  • 2014

     
    G6 Hospitality increases its network of properties to more than 1,200 locations throughout the U.S. and Canada.

  • 2018

     

    G6 Hospitality veterans initiatives are recognized by Viqtory Publishing (Military Friendly Company), Military Times (Best for Vets employers list) and the company is inducted into the Department of Defense’s Military Spouse Employment Partnership.

  • 2019

     

    Studio 6 receives a Franchise Times Zor Award. Our veterans initiatives are once again recognized as G6 is designated a #1 Military Friendly Employer by Viqtory Publishing, and Military Times ranks G6 #11 Best for Vets employers among for-profit companies. G6 Hospitality ranks in the top 75 of Entrepreneur Media’s Franchise 500.

  • 2020

     

    Motel 6 was named the “Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand” as part of USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. A panel of travel experts and 10Best.com editors selected USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Award nominees, and the final top 10 winners were then chosen by the readers’ popular vote.

About G6 Hospitality

G6 Hospitality LLC franchises more than 1,400 economy lodging locations under the Motel 6 and Studio 6 brands in the U.S. and Canada. In 2022, Motel 6 was named the “Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand” in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards and is consistently ranked in Entrepreneur Magazine’s Annual Franchising 500.

Our Locations

1,400

Hotels

49

States

2

Countries

United States

Click to view Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations

U.S. States

Canada

Click to view Motel 6 and Studio 6 locations

Canada
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