Last Updated on July 25, 2012 by DeanR
Country Inns & Suites By Carlson Franchise
Country Inn & Suites by Carlson was founded in 1986. It’s one of the subsidiaries under Carlson which is still know as Carlson Companies together with Radisson Hotels, Park Inn, Park Plaza Hotels & Resorts, T.G.I. Friday’s, and Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
They currently have 150,000 employees in over 150 countries. Carlson was founded in 1938 by Curt Carlson. He purchased the Radisson Hotel in 1962. Then T.G.I. Friday’s in 1975. After that, Carlson Travel Group was founded in 1994. Then it acquired Park Plaza and Park Inn in 2000. Curtis Carlson died in 1998 and his daughter, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, was named as his successor.
Country Inns & Suites has a partnership with car rentals such as Budget, Sixt, and Avis. Their financial partners are Diners Club, American Express, Visa, and Mastercard. These financial partners sometimes give promotions to their customers to encourage them to use these hotels services. Customers are also given the chance to earn mileage points when they are in the Club Carlson program.
What amenities do they offer at Country Inns?
Three types of rooms available are the Guest Room with wet bar, fridge, WiFi, and microwave; the Whirlpool Studio Suite with wet bar and fridge; and the 1 Bedroom Suite has a kitchen, living room and WiFi. They also have options on Jacuzzi Suites and Two-Storey Champagne Jacuzzi Suite. Some of the hotels are also 100% non-smoking facilities. Every locations amenities varies but here are a few that are usually available: Cable TV, adjoining rooms, coffee make with coffee, hair dryer, handicap accessible rooms, free high speed wireless internet, iron and ironing board, radio and alarm clock, microwave, in room safe, refrigerator, free local calls, cribs are available upon request, rollaway beds as well, and a work desk with lamp. Other Country Inns locations also have a heated outdoor pool and spa, business center that has fax, copy, and print services, fitness centers that are open 24 hours, laundry facilities, Read It and Return lending library, wake up service, USA Today newspaper, meeting space, and a forgotten items service. Some even have an evening social hour with wine and hot appetizers.
How do you become a franchisee at Country Inns?
Expect to be investing about $4,200,000 to $6,547,000. Franchise fee is $45,000 with an on-going royalty fee of 4.5%. This is for a 15 year term agreement. Country Inns require experience in their industry, marketing skills, and general business experience. They allow absentee ownership although 50% of current franchisees are also operating their own locations. 50% of current franchises also own more than one location. They allow multi-unit ownership.
What’s included in the Country Inns franchise package?
There will be 1 week training at the headquarters and 1 week training at your location. You will also be receiving newsletters and will need to attend meetings. You will be provided with a toll free phone-line and internet access. There will be assistance in the grand opening and occasional visits from a representative. You will also be given access to purchasing cooperatives. For marketing support, there will be co-op advertising, ad slicks, regional advertising, and national media.
Contact Details
You May Reach Them At:
Address: P.O. Box 59159 Minneapolis, Minnesota 55459-8254
Phone: (800)336-3301 or (763)212-3475