Kids Stay Free

Kemmons did …

Kemmons grew up poor … but learned to spot opportunity early and pretty soon was one of the most respected home builders in Memphis.

One summer he took his family on a holiday. It was a great road trip except for just one thing … the motels they stayed in along the way were just plain awful … worse they all charged extra for every child and Kemmons had 5 kids.

Well when he got home, Kemmons vowed to do something about it… so he put his contractor skills to work and built his own 120 room motel. Unlike others every room had air conditioning, a television and a telephone. There was a pool and children under 12 stayed free.

Kemmons’ motel was a big hit. Soon he and a partner built three more to cover each access point to Memphis. Kemmons’ motels were predictably clean, standardized, family-friendly and most important readily accessible to road travellers.

Initially Kemmons wasn’t sure what to call it … but his architect suggested he name it after a really popular Bing Crosby/Fred Astaire movie. The name was perfect.

Today, the hotel chain Kemmons Wilson started has over 3,400 locations worldwide … and you’ve probably stayed there once yourself … Holiday Inn.

Holiday Inn is a great idea because on the road to success make sure you stay somewhere nice.