Looking up a Red Roof Inn near you usually means one thing: you want a clean, no-fuss place to sleep that won’t blow your travel budget. Red Roof is one of the largest economy hotel chains in the US, and depending on which location pops up in your search, you might actually be looking at four different brands wearing the same red sign.
Insider tip: Before you book based on the star rating alone, pull up the actual property photos and call the front desk directly if you’re traveling with a pet or arriving after 8 PM. Red Roof properties vary a lot tier to tier, and even two Red Roof Inns in the same city can differ in room condition and pet rules. A two-minute phone call confirming your pet count, arrival time, and deposit requirement saves you from an awkward surprise at the front desk. This one habit alone will save you more hassle than reading ten reviews.
That distinction matters more than most people realize. A Red Roof PLUS+ down the street can have a completely different pet fee, room quality, and price than the Red Roof Inn two exits away. This guide breaks down exactly what you’re booking, what it costs, what’s included, and how to avoid the small surprises that show up at check-in if you don’t know the fine print.
What Is Red Roof Inn? (And How It’s Different From Red Roof PLUS+)
Red Roof Inn is an economy hotel brand with four different property tiers, and the one nearest you could be any of them. Knowing which tier you’re booking tells you what to expect on price, room quality, and pet rules before you even click “reserve.”
Here’s how the four tiers stack up:
| Tier | What it is | Best for | Typical price feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Roof Inn | The original, no-frills economy tier | Budget road trips, quick overnight stays | Lowest in the lineup |
| Red Roof PLUS+ | “Upscale economy,” better rooms and finishes | Travelers who want budget pricing with a nicer room | Mid-range, still cheaper than most brand hotels |
| HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof | Extended-stay studios with kitchenettes | Weekly or monthly stays, relocations, work trips | Priced per week or month, not just per night |
| The Red Collection | Independent boutique-style properties | Travelers who want more personality than a standard chain hotel | Varies widely by property |
A few things worth knowing about each one:
- Red Roof Inn is the brand most people picture: exterior room entrances, basic furnishings, and a straightforward stay. It’s built for people who need a bed, a shower, and free parking, not a resort experience.
- Red Roof PLUS+ launched to compete with brands like La Quinta and Days Inn. Rooms tend to have upgraded bedding, better lighting, and sometimes a more modern lobby, but the price gap over a standard Red Roof Inn is usually small.
- HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof is a completely different animal. These are extended-stay properties with in-room kitchenettes, aimed at people relocating, working a temporary job assignment, or needing a longer-term stay without a full apartment lease.
- The Red Collection is the newest and smallest tier, made up of independently branded hotels that Red Roof manages but doesn’t fully rebrand. Expect more variation here than at any other tier, since each property keeps some of its own identity.
Real example: search “Red Roof Inn near me” in a mid-size city and you might get a standard Red Roof Inn on one side of town and a Red Roof PLUS+ near the airport. Same parent company, different room quality and pricing, and in some cases a different pet policy too. Always check which tier you’re actually looking at before comparing prices or reviews, because lumping them together is where most people get caught off guard.
Quick-Scan: Red Roof Inn Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| First pet stays free at most Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ locations | Pet policy varies at HomeTowne Studios and The Red Collection, so it’s not guaranteed brand-wide |
| Consistently one of the cheapest national chains for a budget stay | No free breakfast at most locations, unlike some competing budget brands |
| RediRewards points never expire as long as your account stays active | Room quality can vary noticeably between an older Red Roof Inn and a newer Red Roof PLUS+ |
| Free parking at the vast majority of properties | Limited amenities like pools or fitness centers at many standard locations |
| Flexible-rate bookings are usually cancellable close to arrival | Advance-purchase discount rates are generally non-refundable |
| Straightforward loyalty program, easy to earn a free night | Redemption availability for reward nights can be limited during peak dates |
FAQs
Does Red Roof Inn charge a pet fee?
The first pet stays free at most Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+ locations, up to 80 pounds. A second pet is usually $15 per night, capped at $105 per pet for stays of 7 nights or more. Always confirm with the specific property, since HomeTowne Studios and The Red Collection set their own pet rules.
What is Red Roof Inn’s check-in and check-out time?
Standard check-in is typically mid-afternoon and check-out is late morning, though exact times vary by property. If you’re arriving after 8 PM, it’s worth calling ahead to request a courtesy hold, especially if you booked without a credit card guarantee.
Is Red Roof Inn or Red Roof PLUS+ better?
Red Roof PLUS+ generally offers upgraded bedding, better lighting, and a more modern feel for a modest price increase over standard Red Roof Inn locations. If your budget is tight and you just need a clean place to sleep, standard Red Roof Inn usually gets the job done for less.
How does the RediRewards program work?
RediRewards is free to join and members earn points per dollar spent, redeemable for free nights, gift cards, or merchandise. Free nights typically require a modest points threshold with no blackout dates, and points don’t expire as long as the account stays active with regular stays.
At the end of the day, a Red Roof Inn near you can be a smart pick if you know what you’re booking, whether that’s the standard tier, the PLUS+ upgrade, or an extended-stay HomeTowne Studios. Check the pet policy, confirm your rate type before you cancel anything, and don’t skip the phone call if you’re arriving late. This guide was brought to you by Roofing Cop, your go-to resource for practical, no-nonsense travel and home guides that skip the fluff and get straight to what actually matters.
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