On February 1, 2025, Urban Park Hotels officially launched 'Welcome Inns of America,' a membership-based hotel and motel brand aimed at the economy segment of the hospitality industry. This innovative brand is designed to offer franchise-like benefits without the burdens of long-term commitments or upfront costs, making it an attractive option for hotel owners who excel in operations but struggle with the financial demands of traditional franchise fees. John Parkin, the president of Welcome Inns of America, emphasized that the brand features simplified standards and lower membership fees that are not tied to property revenues, thereby easing the financial strain on independent hoteliers [d15f6a0a].
The launch of Welcome Inns of America comes on the heels of a significant merger in the hotel service sector. In November 2024, GraceSoft, Urban Park Hotel Collection, and LodgeTender merged to create a new independent hotel service network. This strategic move aims to enhance support for independent hotel operators and strengthen their market position. Urban Park Hotel Collection itself was established in 2020 by Jay Patel and John Parkin, reflecting a commitment to innovation and support within the hospitality industry [d15f6a0a].
As the hotel industry continues to adapt to changing market conditions, the introduction of Welcome Inns of America represents a proactive approach to addressing the needs of economy segment operators. By providing a flexible and supportive framework, Urban Park aims to empower independent hoteliers to thrive in a competitive landscape while maintaining operational excellence [d15f6a0a].