Marriott Corp. says it will franchise its Fairfield Inn chain as part of a long-term strategic corporate development plan that calls for 300 inns to be open by the mid-1990s.
"Through franchising, Fairfield Inn will bring on associates who will work with us to achieve our market penetration and distribution goals," said Mike Ruffer, executive vice president of Marriott's two-year-old ecomony lodging chain.Fairfield Inn will be "highly selective" in choosing franchisees, said Ruffer. "We will only consider franchisees who are experienced hotel operators or developers interested in maintaining Fairfield Inn's established high quality standards in terms of guest service and employee satisfaction."
Daryl Nickel, senior vice president of franchising for Fairfield Inn, said that, over time, franchised properties would account for approximately 30 percent of the division's total inventory.
Fairfield Inn by Marriott, which opened its first property in Atlanta in October, 1987, currently has 39 inns open. Fairfield Inn targets business and pleasure travelers seeking clean, comfortable and convenient quality lodging at an economy price. Room rates average $30-$40 single occupancy.