Private company

Econo Lodge

Logo: Not specified; most likely the owner of the Econo Lodge brand or a designer hired by Econo Lodge., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons3

North American motel chain

Econo Lodge is an American economy hotel brand and one of the longest running limited service lodging chains in the United States. Founded in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1969 as Econo Travel, the brand pioneered a simplified budget hotel model that emphasized clean, standardized rooms without the full service amenities—such as restaurants, pools, and large lobbies—common in mid century motels.2 From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

Last updated Oct 19, 2026.

Overview

1969Founded1

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Econo Lodge is an American economy hotel brand and one of the longest running limited service lodging chains in the United States. Founded in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1969 as Econo Travel, the brand pioneered a simplified budget hotel model that emphasized clean, standardized rooms without the full service amenities—such as restaurants, pools, and large lobbies—common in mid century motels. Econo Lodge is now a subsidiary of Choice Hotels and operates more than 690 locations across the United States and Canada.2

How it started

Origins (1965–1969)

The Econo Travel concept was developed in the mid 1960s by Norfolk businessman Lloyd Tarbutton and builder Vernon Myers. Their prototype featured 48 rooms, a compact lobby, and a manager’s apartment, eliminating many amenities to reduce construction and operating costs. Early operational features included bed boxes to simplify housekeeping, centralized electrical panels, and strategically placed maid closets.

The first Econo Travel Motor Hotel opened in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1969 and quickly demonstrated strong profitability, leading to rapid franchising across the southeastern United States.

Expansion and Rebranding (1969–1982)

Franchising accelerated throughout the 1970s. The company acquired the rights to the name Econo Lodge in 1972, initially applying it to conversions of existing motels. By 1982, all Econo Travel properties had been rebranded as Econo Lodge.

Ownership Changes (1983–1990)

From Wikipedia’s article on Econo Lodge, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.2

Subsidiaries and ownership

Parent company

Owners

From Wikidata.1

Timeline

  1. 1969Founded Founded1

Sources

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