Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has expanded its Manufacturer Direct program. First launched in 2022 for Days Inn by Wyndham, the program—now available to Ramada by Wyndham and Microtel by Wyndham franchisees—helps hotels undergoing renovations save an average of 20% or more in cost versus traditional renovation programs, the company reports.
“We take an owner first approach to franchising, and our Manufacturer Direct program delivers on greater transparency and higher savings in the renovation process, particularly for franchisees who want to be more hands-on and don’t require the support and services of our more traditional offerings,” said David Kellam, VP, design and construction, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “By enabling hotels to order everything directly and serve as their own project manager, we’re helping them unlock substantial cost-savings—as much as $50,000 on a 90-room Days Inn renovation—all while delivering an updated, high-quality, modern guest experience that aligns with Wyndham brand standards.”
Franchisees opting to take advantage of the program connect with pre-approved vendors so they can manage all aspects of their own renovation. By overseeing the process and fulfilling the role of a more traditional project manager, including placing orders, handling installations and tracking timelines, franchisees remove many of the elements that can drive up costs for renovations.
The program makes it easy for franchisees to adopt the latest brand designs while helping ensure compliance with Wyndham brand standards, the company reports. Among the room packages currently available:
- Days Inn by Wyndham – Dawn
The Dawn room design takes its inspiration from the sun featuring bright and airy rooms with signature, sun-centric art of local landscapes and attractions. Furniture and fixtures are light and modern, emphasize in-room connectivity and feature vibrant pops of yellow throughout. - Ramada by Wyndham – Ruby
The Ruby room design is a modern and elevated re-imagination of one of the world’s most globally recognized brands, according to the company. Featuring sleek bedding, dark woods and thoughtfully placed notes of red, rooms help to immerse guests in local culture through dramatic, regionally inspired art and other touches. - Microtel by Wyndham – Moda
Showcasing Microtel’s modern yet minimalist aesthetic, the Moda room is designed to maximize space and efficiency while elevating the guest experience. Featuring stylish, space-conscious furnishings; crisp, modern bedding; and energizing hues of blue and yellow, rooms are a quiet and welcoming respite.
“What I love about Wyndham’s Manufacturer Direct program is the control and transparency it gave me in overseeing my hotel’s renovation, and how easy it was to work with manufacturers,” said Nilesh Patel, Days Inn by Wyndham FAC member and owner of the newly remodeled Days Inn by Wyndham in El Cajon, CA. “Not only did it allow me to manage the project in the way that I knew was best for my business, but the savings I was able to realize freed up capital that I’m now able to deploy into other areas of my business. As an owner, that’s a huge win.”
Wyndham plans to expand its Manufacturer Direct program later this year, next welcoming AmericInn by Wyndham franchisees with additional brands slated to follow.
In addition to offerings through its Manufacturer Direct program, Wyndham franchisees can still access more traditional renovation programs through its Procurement Service Providers (PSP). Doing so allows franchisees to customize their approach to renovations, ideal for those who are navigating complex renovations, juggling several projects or wanting to have a less active role in the process, the company reports. PSPs allow franchisees complete control to customize their level of support and offer different levels of pricing. Service options may include placing orders and managing distribution, to assisting with layout and design, or even start to finish project management support overseeing every detail of a renovation from budget to timeline, design and everything in between.
“We recognize that no two hotel owners are the same and because of that, renovation needs, including third-party support and assistance, are going to vary from one hotel to the next,” said Kellam. “With the addition of our Manufacturer Direct program, Wyndham now has one of, if not the most, robust offerings for franchisees looking to renovate their hotels. What’s more, regardless of which path a franchisee chooses, they can rest easy knowing they’re getting high-quality products that conform with their brand’s specific standards.”