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    Surestay

    Franchise research report · reviewed 2026 disclosure data

    Researching Surestay franchise opportunities? Every figure below is cited to the FDD.

    Reviewed sources

    SureStay is a group of Best Western hotel brands offering economy, midscale, and extended-stay lodging. Its guests include value-conscious travelers seeking hotel stays for leisure, business, or longer visits.

    Headline figures

    Quick facts

    How much does it cost to open a Surestay franchise?
    The Surestay Franchise Disclosure Document reports an estimated initial investment of $880,775–$2,920,725 (2026 FDD, Item 7, PDF p. 30). This is the franchisor's disclosed estimate, not a quote. Details
    Does Surestay disclose financial performance (Item 19)?
    No. The reviewed Surestay FDD states that it does not make a financial performance representation in Item 19. Details

    From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.

    What the disclosures show

    1. 1Opening costs are estimated at $880,775 – $2,920,725 in the 2026 FDD (Item 7); several initial fee options apply.
    2. 2The franchisor makes no financial performance representation in Item 19.

    From reviewed FDD figures only. Not a recommendation or projection.

    Costs · Items 5–7

    What does it cost to open?

    Estimated opening costs and the fees payable to the franchisor.

    Startup Investment — Item 7

    Total estimated initial investment

    2026 FDD · Item 7 · PDF p. 30

    Ongoing Fees — Item 6

    Selected recurring charges; payment bases and conditions remain attached to each fee.

    57 reported fees, each with its payment basis, are listed below; they haven't been sorted into recurring, initial and occasional groups yet.

    Financial Performance — Item 19

    What results are disclosed—and for which locations?

    No financial performance representation in Item 19

    The reviewed 2026 FDD for Surestay has no Item 19 figures on record. Franopolis does not estimate revenue or earnings in their place; ask the franchisor and current owners what unit-level information they can share.

    Outlet Changes — Item 20

    How has the outlet count changed?

    Coverage not stated in the reviewed record · counts as of year end of each year.

    2026 FDD · Item 20 ·

    Questions to investigate

    Prompts based on what this brand's reviewed disclosures do and don't show — not conclusions. Join free as a member to save questions to your research.

    For the franchisor

    • Which line items in the 2026 Item 7 estimate ($880,775 – $2,920,725) vary most by market, and why?

    • Which initial fee option would apply to my situation, and what conditions or discounts affect it?

    • Surestay reports no financial performance figures in Item 19. What information can you share about unit-level results?

    • Is a territory available in my area, and how is it defined in my agreement?

    For current and former owners

    • How did your actual startup costs and timeline compare with the Item 7 estimate?

    • How many hours a week do you work in the business, and in what role?

    • What support from the franchisor has been most and least useful?

    For your advisors

    • Ask a franchise attorney to review the territory, renewal, transfer and termination terms.

    • Ask an accountant to build a cash-flow plan using your own assumptions, not the franchisor's.

    Sources & vintage history

    Every displayed fact is retained with its disclosure vintage, item, page, and reviewed status. Prior vintages remain on file rather than being overwritten.

    Citations (2026 FDD)

    1. [1]Estimated initial investment — Item 7 · PDF p. 30

    "PDF p." is the page in the PDF file; "printed p." is the number printed on the FDD page.

    Territory & operations

    20 addresses in Franopolis's imported location list. Coverage may differ from Item 20 outlet counts.

    These are contract disclosures, not confirmation that any territory is currently available.

    Franchisor financial statements

    Fiscal yearMeasureReported value
    2025short-term investments$46,612
    2025cash and cash equivalents$148,012
    2025p roperty, equipment and computer software, net$38,925
    2025current frequent stay program liability$124,791
    2025long-term investments$397,581
    2025fees, dues and assessments$304,904
    2025non-current construction loans$35,869
    2025compensation, taxes and benefits$208,720
    2025non-current other liabilities$15,442
    2025non-controlling interests$1,455
    2025other assets, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$28,133
    2025total best western international, inc. net assets$353,042
    2025impairment of fixed assets and other intangible assets$7,244
    2025provision for deferred income taxes-$3,948
    2025general and administrative$110,799
    2025impairment charges-$7,244
    2025accretion of revolving line of credit loan discount as imputed interest income-$182
    2025proceeds from sale of available-for-sale debt securities$79,625
    2025adjustment for net losses realized and included in excess of revenues over expenses$269
    2025proceeds from maturity of held-to-maturity debt securities$30,000
    2025member financing distribution, net-$245
    2025excess of revenues over expenses before income taxes$69,935
    2025netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$14,630
    2025other assets, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$3,539
    2025frequent stay program liability$13,774
    2025development costs of hotel investments-$20
    2025net cash used in financing activities-$1,082
    2025net increase-$7,299
    2025excess of revenues over expenses allocated to non-controlling interests-$179
    2025cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest$1,272
    2025distributions from restricted rabbi trust investments$4,906
    2025operating cash flows used in operating leases$857
    2025employee contributions to the restricted rabbi trust investments$207
    2025restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents$19,244
    2025accounts receivable, principally from members, net$82,194
    2025prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$20,807
    2025assets held for sale$17,000
    2025income taxes receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$1,981
    2025total current assets$335,850
    2025hotel investments, net$29,051
    2025restricted rabbi trust investments$14,207
    2025deferred income taxes$47,670
    2025total assets$891,417
    2025accounts payable and accrued liabilities$87,494
    2025current deferred revenue$18,199
    2025depositsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$12,158
    2025total current liabilities$242,642
    2025non-current frequent stay program liability$197,656
    2025non-current deferred revenue$45,311
    2025total liabilities$536,920
    2025retained earnings$354,190
    2025accumulated other comprehensive-$1,148
    2025total net assets$354,497
    2025program revenues$179,735
    2025other revenues$62,905
    2025total revenues$547,544
    2025advertising and promotion$144,987
    2025depreciation and amortization$22,208
    2025program cost of sales$20,752
    2025total expenses$507,466
    2025net realized and unrealized gains on investments$15,671
    2025interest and dividend income, and interest and other expense, net$21,430
    2025i ncome tax provision-$14,844
    2025excess of revenues over expenses$55,091
    2025excess of expenses over revenues attributable to non-controlling interests$179
    2025foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax-$1,766
    2025net unrealized gains$1,176
    2025total change in net unrealized gains$1,445
    2025comprehensive excess of revenues over expenses$54,770
    2025provision for credit losses$3,724
    2025netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$1,310
    2025net losses on available-for-sale debt securities$540
    2025amortization of bond premiums/(discounts) on held-to-maturity debt securities, net-$432
    2025amortization/(accretion) of premiums/(discounts) on available-for-sale debt securities, net-$1,708
    2025accrued interest on available-for-sale debt securities, net-$92
    2025loss on disposition of property, equipment and computer software$274
    2025accounts receivable-$20,737
    2025prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$2,128
    2025income taxes receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$8,116
    2025accounts payable, accrued liabilities and non-current liabilities$9,351
    2025deferred revenue$832
    2025depositsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$551
    2025net cash provided by operating activities$71,897
    2025proceeds from maturity of available-for-sale debt securities$13,275
    2025proceeds from sale of equity securities$23,154
    2025purchase of held-to-maturity debt securities-$54,421
    2025purchase of available-for-sale debt securities-$111,194
    2025purchase of equity securities-$31,151
    2025revolving line of credit loan distributions-$3,500
    2025fund restricted rabbi trust investments-$376
    2025purchase of property, equipment and computer software-$23,261
    2025net cash used in investing activities-$78,114
    2025repayment of construction loans-$1,082
    2025effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents-$84
    2025cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period$174,639
    2025cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period$167,256
    2025income taxes receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$13,527
    2025income tax refunds received$2,912
    2025amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets$866
    2025right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$1,982
    2025disposal of fully depreciated property, equipment and computer software$19,149
    2025reclassification of hotel investments to assets held for sale$17,000
    2025accrued additions to property, equipment and computer software$1,118
    2024prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$18,581
    2024p roperty, equipment and computer software, net$38,587
    2024restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents$11,849
    2024accounts payable and accrued liabilities$82,638
    2024general and administrative$102,157
    2024total liabilities$516,372
    2024total current liabilities$228,139
    2024total expenses$488,712
    2024accrued interest on held-to-maturity debt securites, net$30
    2024i ncome tax provision-$20,480
    2024provision for credit losses$1,006
    2024amortization/(accretion) of premiums/(discounts) on available-for-sale debt securities, net-$1,990
    2024excess of expenses over revenues attributable to non-controlling interests$271
    2024program revenues$167,615
    2024net unrealized gains$2,471
    2024provision for deferred income taxes$2,167
    2024purchase of available-for-sale debt securities-$104,222
    2024income taxes receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$352
    2024net cash used in financing activities-$944
    2024purchase of property, equipment and computer software-$20,742
    2024proceeds from maturity of held-to-maturity debt securities$4,250
    2024cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at end of period$174,639
    2024cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents at beginning of period$173,353
    2024excess of revenues over expenses allocated to non-controlling interests-$271
    2024contributions from non-controlling interests$75
    2024income tax refunds received$1,208
    2024right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$830
    2024cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest$1,316
    2024net increase in operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities due to adoption of asc$842
    2024cash and cash equivalents$162,790
    2024short-term investments$16,824
    2024accounts receivable, principally from members, net$64,917
    2024income taxes receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$10,105
    2024total current assets$285,066
    2024non-current construction loans$36,983
    2024hotel investments, net$50,124
    2024long-term investments$358,416
    2024restricted rabbi trust investments$17,220
    2024deferred income taxes$44,236
    2024other assets, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$22,450
    2024total assets$816,099
    2024current frequent stay program liability$118,299
    2024current deferred revenue$17,218
    2024depositsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$9,984
    2024non-current frequent stay program liability$190,375
    2024non-current deferred revenue$45,383
    2024non-current other liabilities$15,492
    2024retained earnings$298,920
    2024accumulated other comprehensive-$827
    2024total best western international, inc. net assets$298,093
    2024non-controlling interests$1,634
    2024total net assets$299,727
    2024fees, dues and assessments$292,244
    2024other revenues$61,083
    2024total revenues$520,942
    2024compensation, taxes and benefits$207,143
    2024advertising and promotion$139,190
    2024depreciation and amortization$20,774
    2024program cost of sales$19,448
    2024net realized and unrealized gains on investments$35,323
    2024interest and dividend income, and interest and other expense, net$18,044
    2024excess of revenues over expenses before income taxes$85,597
    2024excess of revenues over expenses$65,117
    2024foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax-$11
    2024adjustment for net losses realized and included in excess of revenues over expenses$238
    2024total change in net unrealized gains$2,709
    2024comprehensive excess of revenues over expenses$67,815
    2024netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$3,828
    2024net losses on available-for-sale debt securities$238
    2024netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$31,732
    2024amortization of bond premiums/(discounts) on held-to-maturity debt securities, net$16
    2024accrued interest on available-for-sale debt securities, net-$77
    2024loss on disposition of property, equipment and computer software$13
    2024accounts receivable-$4,125
    2024prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$574
    2024other assets, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$640
    2024accounts payable, accrued liabilities and non-current liabilities$3,938
    2024deferred revenueMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$202
    2024frequent stay program liability$15,426
    2024depositsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$104
    2024net cash provided by operating activities$65,101
    2024proceeds from maturity of available-for-sale debt securities$5,281
    2024proceeds from sale of available-for-sale debt securities$64,396
    2024proceeds from sale of equity securities$15,865
    2024purchase of equity securities-$26,664
    2024development costs of hotel investments-$554
    2024fund restricted rabbi trust investments-$413
    2024net cash used in investing activities-$62,803
    2024repayment of construction loans-$1,044
    2024proceeds from construction loans$100
    2024net increase$1,354
    2024effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents-$68
    2024non-current deferred compensation plans liability$14,681
    2024non-current lease liability$811
    2024deferred revenueMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$202
    2024excess of revenues over expenses allocated to retained earnings$65,388
    2024income taxes receivableMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$19,898
    2024operating cash flows used in operating leases$998
    2024amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets$960
    2024disposal of fully depreciated property, equipment and computer software$4,829
    2024accrued additions to property, equipment and computer software$430
    2023short-term investments$15,939
    2023restricted rabbi trust investments$17,037
    2023current frequent stay program liability$117,949
    2023retained earnings$233,532
    2023hotel investments, net$52,025
    2023p roperty, equipment and computer software, net$34,476
    2023total best western international, inc. net assets$230,007
    2023depositsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$10,109
    2023non-current frequent stay program liability$175,298
    2023restricted cash$12,194
    2023general and administrative$88,222
    2023total net assets$231,837
    2023excess of revenues over expenses before income taxes$116,518
    2023excess of expenses over revenues attributable to non-controlling interests$299
    2023non-current lease liability$790
    2023other revenues$60,589
    2023excess of revenues over expenses$89,020
    2023net unrealized gains-$3,825
    2023i ncome tax provision-$27,498
    2023foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax-$755
    2023advertising and promotion$121,415
    2023program cost of sales$19,540
    2023provision for credit losses$794
    2023development costs of hotel investments-$820
    2023adjustment for net losses realized and included in excess of revenues over expenses$479
    2023amortization/(accretion) of premiums/(discounts) on available-for-sale debt securities, net-$1,732
    2023accrued interest on available-for-sale debt securities, net-$6
    2023accrued interest on held-to-maturity debt securites, net$66
    2023proceeds from sale of equity securities$9,722
    2023proceeds from maturity of held-to-maturity debt securities$13,000
    2023purchase of available-for-sale debt securities-$149,432
    2023effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash$197
    2023other assets, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$735
    2023net increase-$77,359
    2023accounts payable, accrued liabilities and deferred compensation plans liability$5,239
    2023net cash provided by operating activities$102,477
    2023contributions from non-controlling interests$175
    2023purchase of equity securities-$80,164
    2023purchase of property, equipment and computer software-$17,683
    2023fund restricted rabbi trust investments-$285
    2023accrued additions to property, equipment and computer software$57
    2023accrued additions to hotel investments$104
    2023employee contributions to the restricted rabbi trust investments$176
    2023distributions from restricted rabbi trust investments$3,483
    2023excess of revenues over expenses allocated to non-controlling interests-$299
    2023amortization of operating lease right-of-use assets$958
    2023disposal of fully depreciated property, equipment and computer software$8,156
    2023cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest$1,386
    2023right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities$330
    2023non-cash impact to right-of-use assets and lease liabilities due to lease cancellation-$39
    2023cash and cash equivalents$161,159
    2023accounts receivable, principally from members, net$61,858
    2023prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$18,017
    2023income taxes receivable$9,748
    2023total current assets$278,915
    2023long-term investments$281,094
    2023deferred income taxes$47,276
    2023other assets, netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing$23,014
    2023total assets$733,837
    2023accounts payable and accrued liabilities$81,708
    2023current deferred revenue$16,845
    2023total current liabilities$226,611
    2023non-current deferred revenue$45,980
    2023non-current deferred compensation plans liability$15,358
    2023non-current construction loans$37,963
    2023total liabilities$502,000
    2023accumulated other comprehensive-$3,525
    2023non-controlling interests$1,830
    2023fees, dues and assessments$293,536
    2023program revenues$180,273
    2023total revenues$534,398
    2023compensation, taxes and benefits$197,303
    2023depreciation and amortization$18,162
    2023total expenses$444,642
    2023net realized and unrealized gains on investments$12,414
    2023interest and dividend income, and interest and other expense, net$14,348
    2023total change in net unrealized gains-$3,346
    2023comprehensive excess of revenues over expenses$84,919
    2023comprehensive excess of expenses over revenues attributable to non-controlling interests$299
    2023netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$996
    2023net losses on available-for-sale debt securities$479
    2023netMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$11,629
    2023amortization of bond premiums/(discounts) on held-to-maturity debt securities, net$79
    2023provision for deferred income taxes$2,999
    2023loss on disposition of property, equipment and computer software$27
    2023accounts receivable$9,528
    2023prepaid expenses and other current assetsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$741
    2023income taxes-$1,327
    2023deferred revenue-$2,089
    2023frequent stay program liability-$1,094
    2023depositsMore than one value recorded for this year — open the FDD source before comparing-$3,567
    2023proceeds from maturity of available-for-sale debt securities$4,118
    2023proceeds from sale of available-for-sale debt securities$41,029
    2023net cash used in investing activities-$180,515
    2023repayment of construction loans-$456
    2023proceeds from construction loans$1,135
    2023net cash$679
    2023cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at beginning of period$250,515
    2023cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash at end of period$173,353
    2023cash paid for income taxes$26,317
    2023income tax refunds received$532
    2023operating cash flows used in operating leases$1,043
    2022accumulated other comprehensive income$576
    2022total consolidated net assets$146,743
    2022retained earnings$144,213
    2022non-controlling interests in subsidiaries$1,954

    These figures describe the franchisor company, not individual franchise locations.

    SBA-backed loans to franchisees

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    Source: U.S. Small Business Administration 7(a) & 504 FOIA data. Loan volume is not a measure of franchisee success.

    At a glance

    Business history

    Not reviewed

    Owner participation

    Not reviewed

    Territory language

    Litigation disclosure

    Not reviewed

    Bankruptcy disclosure

    Not reviewed

    Agreement term

    Not reviewed

    Independent analysis of franchisor-provided data. Not investment advice. Franopolis does not distribute FDDs.