MainStay Suites Franchise — Veteran Cost & Requirements (2026)
Extended-stay hotels built for today's long-term travelers. MainStay Suites combines home-like comfort with hotel convenience, serving everyone from traveling professionals to families in transition. Part of the Choice Hotels family, this is hospitality that fills a real need.
Investment at a Glance
Military Fit Score
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What Is MainStay Suites?
Mainstay Suites offers honorably discharged veterans a $1,500 a room incentive not to exceed $125,000. The incentive is paid shortly after the opening...
As a MainStay Suites owner, you're running a modern extended-stay hotel designed for guests who need more than just a room. Your property features apartment-style suites with full kitchens, on-site laundry, and the amenities that make longer stays comfortable. Day-to-day operations revolve around managing your staff team — from front desk and housekeeping to maintenance and sales. You'll focus on building relationships with local businesses, medical centers, and corporations who need reliable extended-stay options for their people. Revenue comes from nightly rates, but your sweet spot is the weekly and monthly stays that create predictable occupancy. The Choice Hotels system handles your reservation platform, revenue management tools, and national marketing. Your job is running a tight ship locally while maintaining the brand standards that keep guests coming back.
Quick Facts
Founded
1963
Total Locations
139
Headquarters
Maryland
Location Type
Commercial Location
Semi-Absentee
No
SBA Approved
Yes
MainStay Suites Franchise Cost Breakdown (2026)
Investment Breakdown
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Affiliation Fee | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Legal Fees | $10,000 | $40,000 |
| Professional Design Services | $200,000 | $450,000 |
| Feasibility/Market/Environmental Impact Studies | $3,000 | $35,000 |
| Construction (excluding soft costs) | $7,545,000 | $13,535,000 |
| Insurance | $45,000 | $175,000 |
| Pre-opening Advertising | $5,000 | $60,000 |
| Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment | $639,000 | $715,000 |
| Equipment for food preparation, fitness and laundry facilities | $150,150 | $231,000 |
| Hardware to operate the choiceADVANTAGE® property management system | $3,800 | $10,800 |
Let's talk real numbers. The initial franchise fee is $50,000, with additional per-room fees depending on whether you're building new or converting. But that's just the start — building or acquiring a MainStay property is a major investment. Construction costs alone typically run $7.5-13.5 million, with furniture, fixtures, and equipment adding another $800,000-950,000. Total investment ranges from $8.6-15.3 million for a typical property. Ongoing fees include a royalty of 5.5% of room revenue, plus marketing and technology fees. There's a veteran incentive of $1,500 per room (capped at $125,000) paid after opening. We can break down your actual costs and financing options during a consultation.
Beyond your initial investment, you'll pay a standard royalty on gross sales. The true monthly cost of ownership includes additional fees most buyers don't account for until they're already in.
→ We break down your realistic monthly overhead during your consultation.
What Do MainStay Suites Franchise Owners Make?
MainStay Suites includes an Item 19 Financial Performance Representation in their Franchise Disclosure Document — which means they voluntarily share revenue and earnings data from their franchise system.
This franchise provides detailed financial performance data in their FDD. During your consultation, we'll help you understand the full picture and connect you directly with the franchisor and current owners to discuss real-world results.
Not every franchise provides this level of transparency. The fact that MainStay Suites does tells you something about their confidence in franchisee performance.
But raw numbers don't tell the full story. What matters is how those numbers apply to your market, your investment level, and your operating model.
Want the Full Financial Picture?
We've analyzed MainStay Suites's FDD and can walk you through what the numbers actually mean for someone with your background and budget.
See If This Franchise Fits Your GoalsFree 30-min consultation. We earn nothing unless you find the right fit.
Why Veterans Succeed with MainStay Suites
Running a MainStay Suites demands the kind of operational excellence that becomes second nature in uniform. This isn't just about managing a building — it's about leading a team, maintaining standards, and solving problems 24/7. The days are long, the challenges are constant, and excellence isn't optional. Success here comes from understanding that every detail matters. From staff training to facility maintenance to guest satisfaction, it's all connected. Sound familiar? It's the same mindset that makes military operations work — everything has to function together, and leadership sets the tone. But what really makes this work is the service aspect. You're not just selling rooms — you're providing a home base for people who need it. Medical patients and their families, corporate training groups, people relocating or renovating homes. The mission still matters, it just looks different now.
Military Fit Analysis
Military Fit Score
Best Suited For
The best fit here? People who've managed complex operations and led diverse teams. If you've handled logistics, managed facilities, or coordinated large-scale operations, you'll recognize the moving parts. Experience with personnel management and customer service translates directly to hotel operations.
🎖️ Veteran & Military Discount
MainStay Suites participates in the VetFran program and offers a $1,500 discount on the franchise fee for qualified veterans, active duty, and military spouses.
Mainstay Suites offers honorably discharged veterans a $1,500 a room incentive not to exceed $125,000. The incentive is paid shortly after the opening of the hotel.
This discount applies to the initial franchise fee. Combined with SBA veteran loan programs and VA small business resources, your actual out-of-pocket investment could be significantly lower than the listed range.
→ We calculate your true cost — including available discounts, financing options, and veteran-specific programs — during your consultation.
Is MainStay Suites the Right Franchise for Your Background?
Every veteran's transition is different. Your MOS, leadership experience, and financial goals all factor into which franchise makes sense. We've helped veterans across every branch find franchise businesses that match their strengths — not just their budget.
Find Your Franchise FitTalk to a veteran franchise consultant who's been where you are.
Frequently Asked Questions About MainStay Suites
How much does a MainStay Suites franchise cost?
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Does MainStay Suites offer a veteran or military discount?
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Is MainStay Suites a home-based franchise?
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Can you run a MainStay Suites franchise semi-absentee?
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What do MainStay Suites franchise owners make?
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Is MainStay Suites a good franchise for veterans?
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What is MainStay Suites's FDD and where can I read it?
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Veteran-Friendly Franchises Similar to MainStay Suites
Your Next Chapter Starts with a Conversation
You've done the research. You've looked at the numbers. Now the question is whether MainStay Suites — or one of 500+ franchises in our network — is the right fit for where you're headed.
In 30 minutes, we'll cover:
- Whether this franchise matches your skills & goals
- What the FDD reveals that most buyers miss
- Your true cost after veteran discounts & financing
- 2-3 alternative franchises worth comparing
Free. No obligation. Veteran to veteran.
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