Mainstay Suites franchise: cost, fees and total investment
Short answer: The Mainstay Suites franchise fee is $50,000 and the total initial investment ranges from $9,170,700 to $16,330,350, with about $2,190,000 in liquid cash required, based on franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. Confirm current figures in Items 5 and 7 of the Mainstay Suites FDD.
What are the Mainstay Suites franchise fees and investment?
The Mainstay Suites franchise requires a franchise fee of $50,000 and a total initial investment of $9,170,700 to $16,330,350. The franchise fee is one line inside the total investment, which also covers location, equipment, opening inventory and working capital.
| Franchise fee (FDD Item 5) | $50,000 |
|---|---|
| Total initial investment (FDD Item 7) | $9,170,700 to $16,330,350 |
| Minimum liquid cash | $2,190,000 |
| US locations | 139 |
| Industry | Hotels & Travel (Hotels & Lodging) |
| Headquarters | North Bethesda, Maryland |
| Founded | 1963 |
| Franchising since | 1996 |
How does the Mainstay Suites investment compare with other hotels & travel franchises?
Mainstay Suites's minimum investment of $9,170,700 is above the median minimum investment of $7,607,385 across the 195 hotels & travel franchises in the SelectFranchiseList database. 86 of the other 194 brands in this industry start at a higher investment. Its franchise fee starting at $50,000 compares with an industry median of $50,000.
By minimum investment, Mainstay Suites belongs with franchises over $500,000.
What should you verify in the Mainstay Suites FDD?
Verify six parts of the Mainstay Suites Franchise Disclosure Document before you sign, because figures change with every annual FDD:
- Item 5 and Item 6: the current franchise fee, royalty, marketing fund and technology fees.
- Item 7: the full investment range by expense line, including working capital.
- Item 19: whether Mainstay Suites discloses financial performance data, and which units it covers.
- Item 20: openings, closures and transfers, plus contacts for current and former franchisees.
- Item 21: the franchisor's audited financial statements.
- Item 12: whether your territory is protected.
The full list of Items is in the FDD guide. You must receive the FDD at least 14 calendar days before you sign a binding agreement or pay any money.
Which franchises are similar to Mainstay Suites?
These hotels & travel franchises have the closest minimum investment to Mainstay Suites:
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Stay America Suites | $50,000 | $9,174,346 to $14,123,855 |
| Ascend Hotel Collection | $45,000 | $8,924,896 to $23,760,460 |
| Comfort Inn | $50,000 | $9,464,745 to $14,346,795 |
| Comfort Suites | $50,000 to $65,000 | $9,473,117 to $12,136,491 |
| Extended Stay America Select Suites | $50,000 | $8,612,237 to $13,285,766 |
See every brand in hotels & travel franchises.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Mainstay Suites franchise cost?
The total initial investment for a Mainstay Suites franchise ranges from $9,170,700 to $16,330,350, including a franchise fee of $50,000, according to franchise disclosure data compiled in October 2026. The exact amount depends on location, build-out and working capital, as shown in Item 7 of the FDD.
How much cash do you need to open a Mainstay Suites franchise?
Mainstay Suites lists a minimum of about $2,190,000 in liquid cash. Lenders usually finance part of the remaining investment, and the franchisor confirms its capital requirements during qualification.
How many Mainstay Suites locations are there?
Mainstay Suites reported 139 US locations in the data compiled in October 2026. Item 20 of the FDD shows openings, closures and transfers for the last three years.
How long has Mainstay Suites been franchising?
Mainstay Suites started offering franchises in 1996 after the company was founded in 1963.
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public franchise listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Mainstay Suites and its trademarks belong to their owner; SelectFranchiseList is not affiliated with or endorsed by Mainstay Suites. This page is not an offer to sell a franchise. Only the franchisor's current FDD is authoritative.