The three-story, 83-room hotel will be operated by the Inn at Sturbridge Isle Inc. and is Microtel's 266th hotel nationwide. Microtel is franchised by Atlanta, Ga-based US Franchise Systems Inc. which is also the parent company for Hawthorn Suites and Best Inns & Suites hotel brands.

According to Beth Hawks, US Franchise Systems spokesperson, the company has "plenty of intentions" of continuing to expand in the New England region. In a release, the company says that officials recently met with more than 20 potential investors in the Boston area to discuss regional franchising opportunities with the three national hotel brands.

US Franchise Systems was founded in 1995 and is, according to the company's release, the eighth largest franchiser worldwide. Approximately 566 company properties are open or under construction in 48 states and eight countries worldwide. Last November, US Franchise was acquired by business interests of the Chicago, Ill-based Pritzker family.