Red Lion Hotels

Red Lion Hotels is a well-established American hotel brand with a legacy of over three decades, particularly recognized throughout the western United States. Now part of the Sonesta International Hotels Corporation portfolio, the brand operates primarily in the upper midscale and midscale segments, offering both full-service and select-service options designed for travelers seeking comfort, value, and a sense of adventure.

Brand Philosophy and Guest Experience

Red Lion positions itself as "where adventure begins," aiming to be a vibrant and authentic hub for travelers to recharge and prepare for their next journey. The brand's philosophy is built on three core pillars: Fresh, Genuine, and Adventure. This translates into a guest experience characterized by friendly service, local expertise, and a welcoming atmosphere for solo explorers, adventurous groups, and families alike.

History and Evolution

The brand's roots trace back to 1937 in Spokane, Washington, where a property management company was formed that would eventually become Red Lion Hotels Corporation. The "Red Lion" name was initially used for motels starting in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Over the decades, the brand experienced several ownership changes, including a period under Doubletree in the late 1990s, before being acquired by Sonesta. This integration into Sonesta has expanded its reach, combining Red Lion's Western U.S. heritage with Sonesta's global hospitality network.

Current Portfolio and Offerings

Today, the Red Lion family under Sonesta includes several distinct brands to cater to different traveler needs and market segments:

• Red Lion Hotels (Upper Midscale): Full-service properties that deliver memorable stays with a focus on local expertise and friendly service.

• Red Lion Inn & Suites (Midscale): Select-service hotels providing essential amenities for on-the-go travelers, including free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and a lobby coffee station.

• The Broader Red Lion Portfolio: The brand umbrella also encompasses economy and midscale brands such as Americas Best Value Inn, Canadas Best Value Inn, Signature Inn, and Knights Inn, among others, offering a wide range of options for owners and guests.

Loyalty and Recent Growth

Guests staying at Red Lion properties can participate in the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program, which boasts over 6.9 million members and has been recognized as a top hotel loyalty program. The brand continues to expand actively, with recent property openings in 2026 including locations in Medford, Oregon; Kansas City; and Urbana, Illinois, demonstrating its ongoing growth strategy within the Sonesta network.

In essence, Red Lion Hotels represents a blend of American road-trip heritage and modern hospitality, offering comfortable, value-oriented stays for travelers seeking authentic local experiences and a welcoming base for their adventures.

Red Lion Hotels, a midscale brand now part of Sonesta International, specifies its FF&E through a combination of required brand standards and a franchisee purchasing program. Key mandated items include the Top of Bed Program, 43" flat-screen TVs with HBO, Cascadia Soapery bath amenities, and integrated power outlets in case goods. To control costs for owners, Red Lion offers a joint venture with Wayfair that lets franchisees order key FF&E directly, reducing conversion expenses. The FF&E scope typically covers guestroom case goods (headboards, nightstands, TV units), seating, lighting, and public-area furniture.