Value Place

Value Place is a chain of hotels in the United States, based in Wichita, Kansas. It is currently one of the fastest growing hotel chains in the United States, with more than 100 locations in 23 states. It was founded by Jack DeBoer in 2001 [http://www.valueplace.com/About/View.aspx?ID=e67b285f-e46b-4764-9423-eb0ebc6f92fc] .

Value Place operates its locations for the purpose of extended stays, charging by the week. The chain was designed with the small business traveler and consultant in mind, the professionals who often foot their own bill for lodging and other travel expenses or are traveling on a strict per diem budget, as well as increasing numbers of businesses who pay for employee travel but desire economical, extended-stay lodging with stringent quality and safety standards for their employees. Value Place also serves a wide range of other guests including families and individuals who are on the move to a new job assignment, relocating to a new community, building or renovating a new home or visiting for important family events; vacationers looking to stretch their travel dollars; individuals undergoing extended medical treatment and many more.

All Value Place hotels operate on a weekly rate basis. Accommodations include fully furnished studios with full kitchen, towels and linens; expanded cable network with a premium movie channel; all utilities and bi-weekly studio cleaning, providing guests with the right amount of what they need for an extended stay, while leaving more money in their pockets. Additional services offered for a nominal fee include local and long-distance calling, high-speed Internet access, onsite laundry and vending, dishes and other kitchen supplies and more.

The chain keeps its rates low by keeping its overhead costs low. The properties, which average 124 rooms each, have an average of 4.5 employees at each location, compared with 16-22 at other chains [http://portland.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2008/08/04/story4.html] . The chain has seen a demand in the services it provides during slower economic times.

History

In 2001, entrepreneur Jack DeBoer – known in the industry as the originator of extended-stay lodging and founder of Residence Inn, Summerfield Suites and Candlewood Suites, recognized a void in the economy segment of the hotel industry. While there were plenty of mid-price and upscale properties with fees and amenities designed for corporate business travelers and family vacationers, there were not many practical options for small- and mid-size business owners and those on the move in their own community who were footing their own bill. The first Value Place opened in October 2003 in Wichita, Kansas offering a simpler, cleaner, safer, more affordable extended-stay lodging concept. A franchising program was launched in June 2004.

On July 16, 2008, Value Place opened its 100th location in Columbus, Georgia [http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS151731+16-Jul-2008+PRN20080716] .

Key Personnel

Jack DeBoer, Chairman and Founder; Greg Kossover, CEO; Gina-Lynne Scharoun, President/Value Place Franchise Services; David Redfern, President/Value Place Real Estate Services; Gina K. McKee, Vice President Franchise Development

ee also

*InTown Suites

External links

* [http://www.valueplace.com/ Value Place home page]

References