Knights Inn is a hotel brand that operates a network of 362 economy properties across the United States and Canada. Founded in 1994 and based in Albert Lea, Minnesota, the company focuses on providing straightforward and affordable accommodations for travelers. As a subsidiary of Red Lion Hotels Franchising, Inc., Knights Inn emphasizes simplicity, offering low-cost rooms without unnecessary amenities, catering to guests who prioritize value and convenience. The brand is designed for those seeking a hassle-free place to stay, featuring basic lodging options and meeting spaces.
When Roger Bloss set out to create a different kind of hotel branding company in 1999, and enlisted his friend and attorney, Bernie Moyle, he had one thing in mind: to give hotel owners, like himself, an alternative to the high fees and onerous mandates of traditional brands, allowing hard-working hoteliers the chance to keep more of their money and enjoy the pride of ownership. With the birth of Americas Best Value Inn, he did just that, but never foresaw the industry-leading trendsetter that would quickly evolve. Today, Vantage Hospitality Group is a full-service hospitality company that, directly or through its affiliates and subsidiaries, offers hoteliers the choice of five brands, covering the budget through upscale markets; hotel management; real estate and hotel brokerage services; and a hotel-focused insurance agency. Throughout its expansion, Vantage has remained true to Roger's mission. Answering to its members, not to Wall Street, has allowed Vantage to continue to provide its brand members low fees and straightforward contracts, brand standards with a purpose, and A Voice and A Vote in their brand's direction. Vantage's Freestyle® model has become a hallmark of the hospitality industry, allowing hotel owners the best of both worlds - the resources of a hotel franchise and the freedom of a membership, ensuring that brand members are truly "In Business for Themselves, Not by Themselves." As the company has grown, so, too, has the need to extend the Vantage philosophy beyond the economy segment. Vantage first answered with the Lexington by Vantage brand, positioned in the upscale market, and in January 2015, Vantage acquired the America's Best Inns & Suites, Country Hearth Inn & Suites, and Jameson Inn brands, and acquired and re-launched the Signature Inn brand. All new members of these brands will enjoy the same robust platform of resources that every owner should expect from its brand, while maintaining greater autonomy and more of their hard-earned money. Roger Bloss, the longest-tenured CEO of a hotel branding company, has steered the company from its inception. He and partner Bernie Moyle (COO & CFO) are as accessible to their members as ever and are as eager to speak with the owner of a 40-room budget property as with the managing director of a publicly-traded REIT that owns a 300-room upscale hotel.