How Many Holiday Inns Are in the US? The Complete 2024 Guide

Hey there, travelers and hotel enthusiasts! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant back with another deep dive. Today we’re tackling a question I get all the time: “Just how many Holiday Inns are there in the US?” Whether you’re planning a road trip or just curious about hotel giants, let’s break it down together.
The Short Answer? A Whole Lotta Holiday Inns!
As of 2024, there are roughly 1,200+ Holiday Inn hotels scattered across the United States. That includes both full-service Holiday Inn properties and the more compact Holiday Inn Express locations (we’ll explain the difference later). To put that in perspective – you’re never more than a few hours’ drive from one in most states! The brand’s parent company, IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), keeps expanding, so this number creeps up yearly.
Why Does Holiday Inn Feel Everywhere?
Ever notice you spot that familiar green sign in every city? There’s a reason for that:
- 60+ Years of Dominance: Founded in 1952, Holiday Inn was one of the first chains to standardize amenities like air conditioning and pools, making it a road-trip staple.
- Two Brands, One Powerhouse: Regular Holiday Inns (full-service with restaurants) and Holiday Inn Express (budget-friendly with free breakfast) combine forces for maximum coverage.
- Airport & Highway Game Strong: They’re strategically planted near major travel hubs – perfect for business trips and family vacations alike.
Holiday Inn vs. Holiday Inn Express: What’s the Difference?
Fun fact – these are technically separate brands under IHG! Here’s how they stack up:
| Feature | Holiday Inn | Holiday Inn Express |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $$ | $ (More budget-friendly) |
| Dining | On-site restaurant/bar | Free breakfast only |
| Room Size | Larger rooms, often suites | Compact, efficient layouts |
Pro tip: If you just need a clean bed and a cinnamon roll breakfast, Express is your jam. For longer stays or fancier dinners, go full-service.
Which States Have the Most Holiday Inns?
Drumroll please… the top 5 states for Holiday Inn density are:
- Florida: Tourism = tons of locations (hello, Orlando and Miami!).
- Texas: Everything’s bigger here, including hotel counts.
- California: Major cities + road-trip routes like Highway 101.
- New York: Heavy business travel to NYC and upstate.
- Ohio: Surprise! Central location makes it a Midwest hub.
Fun Trivia: Holiday Inn’s Wild History
This brand has some quirky roots:
- The first-ever Holiday Inn opened in Memphis, Tennessee – it’s now a museum!
- Elvis Presley allegedly loved Holiday Inns so much, he’d rent entire floors for his entourage.
- That iconic green sign was originally designed to be visible from early highways.
So there you have it – America’s love affair with Holiday Inn is still going strong with over a thousand locations. Whether you’re a rewards member hunting points or just need a reliable place to crash, those green signs aren’t disappearing anytime soon.
FAQpro Tip: Always check IHG’s official website for the latest property counts and deals. Thanks for reading, folks! Got a burning hotel question? Hit me up – your Holiday Little Assistant is always on duty. 🛎️