Master Hosts Inns

Master Hosts Inns is a full-service hotel brand operating primarily in resort and destination locations across the United States. It is one of five distinct brands under the umbrella of Hospitality International, Inc., a Tucker, Georgia-based franchising company that also operates Red Carpet Inn, Scottish Inns, Downtowner Inns, and Passport Inn.

Brand Positioning and Scale

Positioned in the mid- to upper-middle price range, Master Hosts Inns stands out within the Hospitality International portfolio as the company's largest brand by room count, averaging approximately 140 keys per property——significantly larger than sister brands such as Scottish Inns (42 rooms) and Downtowner Inns (40 rooms). The brand operates a mix of hotels and resorts, with total system size reaching roughly 191 units and a total investment range of $134K–$2.6M per property.

A defining characteristic of the Master Hosts brand is its deliberate encouragement of individual property identity. Rather than enforcing a rigid, uniform aesthetic, the franchise model allows each hotel to preserve its own character, warmth, and charm, displaying an independent name alongside the Master Hosts flag.

Historical Background and Ownership

The Master Hosts Inns trademark has changed hands several times. It was originally acquired in the late 1960s by Red Carpet Inns International, Inc., a Colorado corporation, which published travel directories listing Master Hosts Inns and Red Carpet Inns properties and offered "instant" reservations through a toll-free telephone number. The trademark "MASTER HOSTS INN" was formally filed in August 1970. A Florida entity named Master Hosts Inns, Inc. was incorporated in March 1972 but dissolved by proclamation in October 1974. The brand was subsequently revitalized under Hospitality International, which has served as the exclusive franchisor since 1982.

Amenities and Guest Experience

Master Hosts Inns properties typically offer a comprehensive range of full-service amenities. Representative features across the brand include indoor or outdoor swimming pools, fitness centers, on-site restaurants and bars, complimentary continental breakfast, free high-speed internet access, and well-appointed guest rooms with flat-screen HDTVs and other modern conveniences. Some locations also provide extensive event and banquet facilities——the Master Hosts Inns in Philadelphia, for instance, features 7,500 square feet of event space suitable for up to 580 guests.

Current Status and Expansion

Under Hospitality International's stewardship, the brand continues to grow through conversions and new franchise agreements. In 2024, the company added a Master Hosts Inns near JFK Airport in New York (Airport Plaza Hotel, Jamaica, NY, 61 rooms), reflecting the brand's ongoing relevance in destination and gateway markets.

With its distinctive combination of independent character and full-service hospitality, Master Hosts Inns occupies a unique niche in the American lodging landscape——offering travelers the warmth of a locally rooted inn experience backed by the resources of an established franchise system.

Master Hosts Inns is a mid-to-upper-middle price, full-service hotel brand under Hospitality International, primarily located in resort and destination markets. As the company's largest brand by room count—averaging around 140 keys per property—Master Hosts Inns encourages franchisees to preserve each hotel's independent character, warmth, and local charm while benefiting from a national reservation and marketing network.

For FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment) , the brand's franchising model is built around conversion properties rather than rigid, standardized prototypes. This means FF&E decisions are often driven by the existing architecture and individual identity of each hotel, with owners retaining considerable flexibility in sourcing and design. The brand's cost-per-key benchmark of approximately $50,000 reflects a moderate investment level compared to its sister economy brands, positioning Master Hosts Inns as a practical entry point for investors seeking a full-service presence without the heavy FF&E mandates of larger chains.