REUTERS/Andy Clark
Campaigning for Donald Trump inspired his sons to launch a patriotism-themed three-star hotel chain, a move that stands in contrast to the Trump Organization's premium roots.The Trump Organization announced on Monday that the new hotel brand, called "American Idea," will begin with three hotels in Mississippi.
The organization, which is now run by Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump, plans to distinguish the new chain from other budget-friendly hotel brands, such as the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn, with American-themed decorations and trinkets, The New York Times reported. According to The Times, the Trump children were inspired to start the chain after seeing the thousands of people who traveled to Trump rallies
American Idea hotels will be run by partners, who will license the brand from Trump Organization.
On Monday, the Trump Organization announced that the brand's first partner would be Chawla Hotels. Suresh Chawla, who runs the Dallas-based company with his brother, donated $50,000 to Trump and the Republican party during the presidential campaign, despite his initial support for other candidates, The Times reported.
Trump Hotels isn't the only Trump-associated brand that has attempted to appeal to more budget-minded customers since the election. In March, Ivanka Trump's fashion brand dropped its fine jewelry collection to focus on more moderately priced items.