A Stay at the Holiday Inn – Life in America

A look back at Holiday Inn through the years.

In 1951, businessman Kemmons Wilson, envisioned a family friendly motel that catered to families traveling across the country on vacation. This was after a family vacation to Washington DC, where he encountered shabby motels that were uncomfortable and charged extra for each of his children.

By the time he returned home to Memphis, TN, Wilson decided to reinvent the way people stayed in hotels. With a family in mind, he carefully measured rooms and planned for more space, with extra amenities like swimming pools, televisions, ice machines, and no extra charge for children under 12.

The architect that Wilson was working with, jotted the name Holiday Inn on the plans he had drawn up, after watching the Bing Crosby movie and the name stuck.

In 1952, the first Holiday Inn opened in Memphis and by the end of the year 3 more locations had opened.

The concept especially took off when the Interstate highway system made traveling and vacations much easier. The Holiday Inn brand was one that travelers could trust for consistent satisfaction.

The cost of a nights stay at a Holiday Inn was between $4 and $6 dollars, which helped to make staying overnight accessible to more families.

By 1972, Kemmons Wilson was on the cover of Time magazine, and boasted over 1400 franchised locations.
By the time Wilson retired in 1979, there were nearly 1800 locations in 50 different countries.

The iconic sign that was perhaps the most effective advertising tool, was dubbed the “Great Sign.” The large and eye catching design was expensive, with each one costing $13,000 dollars. Wilson loved the sign, but it was phased out after his departure for cheaper alternatives.

Today, Holiday Inn remains a strong and successful company, with a shift toward a higher end experience. There are fewer than 10 of the original motel locations still in existence, with Holiday Inn Express replacing most of them.