A multi-year licensing agreement has been signed between Budgetel Lodging and Hospitality Lodging Systems (HLS), which makes HLS the sole world-wide franchiser and management firm for the Budgetel brand, effective Nov. 1.
Budgetel Lodging is the Atlanta-based investor group that has owned the Budgetel brand name since 2007. It granted licensing rights to America’s Best Franchising (ABF) in 2008.
Hospitality Lodging Systems is an Atlanta-based management firm that inherits a system of 19 properties that currently bear the Budgetel brand. The company’s chairman is Doug Collins, who directed the Budgetel brand for the past six years in his previous role as chairman of America’s Best Franchising.
“The Budgetel brand is a great name and a valuable accommodations option for franchisees as well as the traveling public,” said Doug Collins. “Hospitality Lodging Systems provides the logical continuity in operations as well as the necessary foundation of experience that will allow us both to serve existing franchisees and to attract additional owners.”
Doug Collins will continue to serve as chairman and CEO of DC Hospitality, a nationwide hotel brokerage firm that handles all brands, sizes, and styles of properties.
Serving as president of HLS is Neil Collins, who has almost 20 years of experience in all phases of hotel operations, including sales, marketing, and marketing services while serving in senior management positions with America’s Best Franchising and Cornerstone Hospitality.
“We’re energized about creating a new dimension of progress for Budgetel, while also pursuing other appropriate brand opportunities,” added Doug Collins. “This orderly transition of operations is a great start.”
The Budgetel brand, which was first introduced in 1974, will operate on a philosophy guided by the “12 points of fair franchising.”
“Our owners will be real equity partners, with unprecedented control of their properties and their profitability,” Doug Collins said.
