Sonesta Expands Red Lion Midscale Brand Across US Markets

Sonesta International Hotels Corporation is expanding its midscale Red Lion Inn & Suites brand across distinct regional markets through separate additions in Texas and Ohio. The brand grew its footprint by adding a 96-room interior-corridor hotel near Houston's major international airport and introducing a 58-room regional property in Bucyrus, Ohio. [1] [2]

Where is Sonesta targeting midscale growth?

Sonesta focuses on regional hubs and transit-heavy submarkets where midscale select-service properties capture consistent commercial and leisure travel demand. In May 2026, the company expanded its presence in Texas with the opening of the Red Lion Inn & Suites Houston IAH Airport, according to reporting by Lodging Magazine [1]. Located in Houston, Texas, the 96-room property features interior corridors and directly serves passengers arriving and departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport [1].

Separately, Lodging Magazine published news of the brand's reach extending into the Midwest through the opening of the Red Lion Inn & Suites Bucyrus North in Ohio [2]. While the Texas location targets high-volume airport transit, the 58-room Bucyrus North addition establishes the Red Lion flag in an Ohio submarket, highlighting the brand's ability to operate across varying asset sizes [2].

What property models define these Red Lion additions?

The additions in Houston and Ohio rely on midscale, interior-corridor configurations designed for efficient operations and regional travel connectivity. Newton, Massachusetts-based Sonesta International Hotels Corporation operates the properties under its midscale umbrella, integrating different asset profiles under the single Red Lion Inn & Suites banner [1] [2].

Lodging Magazine noted that Sonesta opened 29 new properties in the second half of 2025, laying a foundation for continued additions into 2026 [1]. The two recent properties demonstrate the brand's flexibility in both room count and market positioning [1] [2].

How do these additions serve corporate travel demand?

Airport proximity drives business demand for the Texas asset by securing transient corporate travel alongside flight operations. Keith Pierce, co-chief executive officer at Sonesta, stated that the Houston property allows the company to cater to travelers arriving and departing from George Bush Intercontinental Airport [1].

By contrast, regional locations such as the 58-room hotel in Bucyrus, Ohio, serve smaller commercial routes and drive-to markets [2]. Through these two standalone openings, Sonesta reinforces the Red Lion Inn & Suites flag across disparate operating environments without confining the brand to a single property size [1] [2].