ATLANTA—Budgetel Lodging and Hospitality Lodging Systems (HLS) signed a multi-year licensing agreement that makes HLS the sole worldwide franchisor and management firm for the Budgetel brand, effective Nov. 1.
Budgetel Lodging has owned the Budgetel brand name since 2007. It granted licensing rights to America’s Best Franchising (ABF) in 2008.
HLS gets 19 Budgetel properties and is being led by company chairman Doug Collins, who directed the brand for the past six years when he served as chairman of ABF.
“The Budgetel brand is a great name and a valuable accommodations option for franchisees as well as the traveling public,” stated Collins. “Hospitality Lodging Systems provides the logical continuity in operations as well as the necessary foundation of experience that will allow us both to serve existing franchisees and to attract additional owners.”
The Budgetel brand was first introduced in 1974.
“We’re energized about creating a new dimension of progress for Budgetel, while also pursuing other appropriate brand opportunities,” added Collins. “This orderly transition of operations is a great start. Our owners will be real equity partners, with unprecedented control of their properties and their profitability.”
Serving as president of HLS is Neil Collins, who has almost 20 years of experience in all phases of hotel operations, including sales, marketing and marketing services, while serving in senior management positions with ABF and Cornerstone Hospitality.
Doug Collins will continue to serve as chairman/CEO of DC Hospitality, a nationwide hotel brokerage firm.