USA TODAY 10Best
Red Roof voted Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand
Best Budget-Friendly Hotel Brand (2021)
Lodging can easily become one of the biggest expenses when it comes to travel, but you shouldn't have to blow through your budget or stay in a drab, personality-less room in order to save. These hotel brands combine affordable rates, lots of amenities and frequent freebies to set the scene for a comfortable and wallet-friendly stay–whether for business or pleasure.
Photo courtesy of Aloft Hotels
No. 10: Aloft Hotels
Aloft Hotels, part of the Marriott International lineup, is one of the fastest growing hotel brands with over 100 properties and counting in 16 countries around the globe. Guests will find a tech-forward experience (including keyless checkin) as well as meeting and work spaces, fitness center, saline pool and even frequent live music.
Photo courtesy of Holiday Inn Express
No. 9: Holiday Inn Express
Holiday Inn Express ranks as the fastest growing hotel brand in the InterContinental lineup with well over 2,800 hotels worldwide. Guests appreciate the free hot breakfast each day, was well as coffee hot and ready to go whenever you need it, free wifi, choice of soft or firm pillows and bedside outlets to keep devices charged.
Photo courtesy of Hampton by Hilton
No. 8: Hampton by Hilton
Hampton by Hilton promises great value, and then deliver. Among the budget-friendly chains, they are most well-known by travelers for their free, hot breakfasts (think fresh waffles and oatmeal). Their rooms are equally appealing and outfitted with free wifi. Other perks include digital check-in, fitness center and a 24-hour business center.
No. 7: Moxy Hotels
A stay at Moxy proves that affordability doesn’t have to be boring. These hip, stylish, experimental hotels in 60 destinations across North America, Europe and Asia Pacific feature industrial design elements, small but well-planned bedrooms and fun social spaces where travelers can connect.
Photo courtesy of Residence Inn
No. 6: Residence Inn
With over 850 locations worldwide, Residence Inn offers spacious, comfortable suites with kitchenettes and living areas, plus amenities such as free breakfast buffets, free WiFi, and modern fitness centers. Their budget-friendly pricing is well suited for groups, families, or those looking for an extended stay hotel.
Photo courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott
No. 5: Courtyard by Marriott
Courtyard by Marriott offers an affordable solution for business travelers, with a modern lobby perfect for getting some work done outside the room, and amenities like free wifi, flexible workspaces, gym and temperature-controlled pool. There are more than 1,100 locations across more than 50 countries and territories.
Photo courtesy of Best Western Hotels & Resorts
No. 4: Best Western Hotels & Resorts
Best Western and Best Western Plus have been serving travelers for 70 years with more than 4,700 properties located around the globe. No matter where in the world they are, guests can almost always expect free breakfast and high speed internet, in-room coffee and access to a guest computer and printer in the lobby. Many rooms also include flat screen TVs, microwaves, refrigerators and work spaces.
Photo courtesy of Country Inn & Suites
No. 3: Country Inn & Suites
Signature amenities at Country Inn & Suites by Radisson include a complimentary grab-and-go breakfast each morning, free WiFi and fitness centers. Travelers will find more than 456 locations across the Americas.
No. 2: Motel 6
Well loved and easily recognized by those traveling America's roadways, Motel 6 has made a name for itself by being clean, friendly, dependable and most importantly, affordable. Expanded cable TV and pet-friendly rooms make this hotel a good choice for those looking to stay within their budget. Free coffee in the mornings makes getting up and getting going a pleasure.
No. 1: Red Roof
Red Roof is proud to be leaders in the game of economy hotels and motels. Spacious standard rooms feature free wifi, desk workspace and extra outlets for charging devices. Their upgraded Red Roof Plus rooms are outfitted with Serta mattresses, wood-like flooring and sleek furnishings. Upgraded linens and towels make all the difference as do the extra inches on the flat screen TV.
A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.
Congratulations to all these winning hotels!
About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards
Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
The Experts
Allison Taylor
The owner and content creator of Family Vacations... Read More
The owner and content creator of Family Vacations U.S is somewhat of a compulsive researcher when it comes to family vacations. Allison has 2 boys ages 10 and 12 whose antics keep her very busy, and being married to a firefighter adds a whole other element to the chaos! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Allison Taylor
The owner and content creator of Family Vacations U.S is somewhat of a compulsive researcher when it comes to family vacations. Allison has 2 boys ages 10 and 12 whose antics keep her very busy, and being married to a firefighter adds a whole other element to the chaos! You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Anne Dimon
A 25 plus year travel writer and... Read More
A 25 plus year travel writer and journalist, Anne Dimon is Co-Founder and President /CEO of the Wellness Tourism Association and owner/ editor of TravelToWellness.com launched in 2004 as the first online resource for the wellness-minded traveler. Prior to her life as a journalist, Anne was president of her own public relations company specializing in hospitality. She has also worked in the hotel industry as a director of public relations. An acknowledged wellness travel expert and industry consultant, Anne is also the co-author of The Travel Institute’s new Wellness Travel Specialist Course, a collaboration with the WTA.
Anne Dimon
A 25 plus year travel writer and journalist, Anne Dimon is Co-Founder and President /CEO of the Wellness Tourism Association and owner/ editor of TravelToWellness.com launched in 2004 as the first online resource for the wellness-minded traveler. Prior to her life as a journalist, Anne was president of her own public relations company specializing in hospitality. She has also worked in the hotel industry as a director of public relations. An acknowledged wellness travel expert and industry consultant, Anne is also the co-author of The Travel Institute’s new Wellness Travel Specialist Course, a collaboration with the WTA.
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most... Read More
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world on spa travel and a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. She transforms the idea of a regular spa day into a full wellness adventure! You can always find this freelance writer searching for unique experiences near and far. Follow her adventures at Spa Travel Gal and @SpaTravelGal to get inspired!
Ava Roxanne Stritt
Ava Roxanne Stritt has been called the most influential person in the world on spa travel and a top authority on luxury and wellness travel. She transforms the idea of a regular spa day into a full wellness adventure! You can always find this freelance writer searching for unique experiences near and far. Follow her adventures at Spa Travel Gal and @SpaTravelGal to get inspired!
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of... Read More
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Kyle McCarthy
Kyle McCarthy is the co-founder and editor of Family Travel Forum, the trusted resource for family vacation planners since 1996. FTF’s award-winning publications: MyFamilyTravels.com, America’s Most Popular Family Vacations and The Family Vacationist e-newsletter provide destination reviews, tips and seasonal roundups for all aspects of travel. Ms. McCarthy, author of a dozen Frommer’s guidebooks, also contributes to US News, CNN and other publications. She can be found on most social networks @familytravelforum.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music... Read More
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
Marla Cimini
Marla is a writer with a passion for travel, music and culinary adventures (and combining those whenever possible)! As an avid globetrotter, she encourages respecting and learning about other cultures while traveling. She has visited Hawaii multiple times, and has explored destinations worldwide, including the Mediterranean region, South America, Asia and more. Marla is a contributor to Fodor’s Hawaii guidebooks (Oahu and Kauai 2020) and her articles have appeared in a number of international publications. She calls New Jersey (Philadelphia area) home. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter and read her travel tips and adventures on her website.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,... Read More
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.
10Best Editors
USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.