99. Motel 6

Headquarters: Carrollton, Texas
Bought By: Accor
Headquarters: Paris, France

A beacon of affordability and convenience for travelers crisscrossing America’s vast highways, Motel 6 has, for decades, held the promise of a clean, comfortable room with the light always on. Established in 1962 in Santa Barbara, California, its name was originally derived from its cost of $6 per night.

Motel 6 ©Valeriya Zankovych / shutterstock.com

Yet, in the intricate web of global investments, many are unaware that Motel 6 is no longer under American ownership. In 1990, Accor, a French multinational hospitality company, acquired the motel chain, adding it to their diverse portfolio of hotels and accommodations. The acquisition reinforced Accor’s foothold in the North American market.