Super 8 began its first operation in Aberdeen, South Dakota in 1974 and has rooms rate starting at $8.88 a night, thus explaining the “8” attached to the hotel brand. From a simple motel chain, Super 8 grew immediately and became available for franchise 2 years after its conception. At present, it will cost you a minimum of $169,270 investment plus franchise fee to afford a Super 8 motel.

The business started with Dennis Brown in 1972. However, after one year of operation, Ron Rivett and Dennis Brown cancelled the association and created the Super 8 Motel corporation, splitting the company in half between them. By 1993, Super 8 opened its 1000th property in Mount Vernon, Ohio, a milestone achieved in just two decades of operation. The number doubled by 2001 and became available through online reservations in 2014 after the company launches its website worldwide. In the United States and Canada alones, Super 8 has more than 2000 properties. At present, The Super 8 brand has also reached China, Germany and Brazil.

Super 8 is now part of the Wyndham Hotel Group with more than 2400 locations around the globe, and considered the biggest name in the economy hotel industry. Super 8 hotels are either independently owned or franchised under the Super 8 Worldwide.