Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has expanded its Manufacturer Direct program. First launched in 2022 for Days Inn by Wyndham, the program, which is now available to Ramada by Wyndham and Microtel by Wyndham franchisees, helps hotels undergoing renovations save an average of 20 percent or more in cost versus traditional renovation programs.
Built on the pillars of driving transparency, value creation and owner engagement throughout the renovation process, Wyndham's Manufacturer Direct program aims to help owners take a hands-on approach to renovations, giving full line of sight into costs and lead times while unlocking substantial savings.
"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 of 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 using Wyndham's Manufacturer Direct program connect with preapproved 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.
Wyndham's Manufacturer Direct program helps franchisees adopt the latest brand designs while helping to ensure compliance with Wyndham brand standards. 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 sun-centric art of local landscapes and attractions. Furniture and fixtures are light and modern, emphasize in-room connectivity and use vibrant pops of yellow throughout. A full Dawn room package through Wyndham's Manufacturer Direct program costs approximately $2,400 per key for all furniture, fixtures and soft goods, with packages available in single king and double queen configurations.
Ramada by Wyndham – Ruby
The Ruby room design is a modern and elevated reimagination of the brand. Featuring sleek bedding, dark woods and notes of red, rooms display regionally inspired art and other touches. A full Ruby room package through Wyndham's Manufacturer Direct program costs approximately $2,600 per key and is available in single king and double queen configurations.
Microtel by Wyndham – Moda
The Moda room is designed to maximize space and efficiency while elevating the guest experience. Featuring space-conscious furnishings, modern bedding and hues of blue and yellow, rooms are meant to be a “respite” for travelers. A full Moda room package through Wyndham's Manufacturer Direct program costs approximately $2,800 per key and is available in a double queen configuration.
"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, Calif. "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 adding AmericInn by Wyndham franchisees with additional brands slated to follow. Franchisees can still access more traditional renovation programs through its Procurement Service Providers. Doing so lets franchisees customize their approach to renovations and is a good fit for those who are navigating complex renovations, juggling several projects or wanting to have a less active role in the process. 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," Kellam said. "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."
Wyndham has approximately 9,100 hotels in more than 95 countries.