“Free coffee and a newspaper? Sounds like a great way to start the day!” That thought might have crossed your mind if you were a guest at the very first Super 8 motel. The year was 1974. The place was Aberdeen, South Dakota. And the price for a night’s stay? A mere $8.88.
This humble motel, the brainchild of Ron Rivett and Dennis Brown, marked the beginning of what would become the world’s largest budget hotel chain: Super 8. The chain we know today boasts over 2,600 locations around the world. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of simple, affordable accommodations for travelers.