Choice Hotels Enters RV Travel Market With Acquisition of Harvest Hosts Platform
Choice Hotels International has acquired Harvest Hosts, a membership-based RV travel community that connects travelers with overnight experiences at over 11,200 locations including wineries, farms, breweries, and museums. Harvest Hosts will continue operating independently under its own brand while benefiting from Choice Hotels' resources to expand its reach and accelerate growth. The acquisition allows Choice Hotels to tap into the outdoor and RV travel segment while maintaining the unique community-oriented model that built Harvest Hosts' loyal membership base.
Choice Hotels' entry into the RV travel sector marks a strategic expansion beyond traditional hotel accommodations. Harvest Hosts operates through a membership model connecting recreational vehicle owners with unique overnight destinations at farms, wineries, and cultural venues—an asset-light approach that requires minimal physical infrastructure investment while generating revenue through membership fees and host partnerships across more than 11,000 locations.
The transaction, valued at $130 million in cash, positions Choice Hotels to capture growth within the outdoor recreation market while preserving Harvest Hosts' independent brand identity and community-focused operations. Leadership continuity, with existing CEO Joel Holland remaining at the helm, suggests Choice Hotels aims to maintain the membership community that drove the company's success during previous ownership by investment firm Stripes.
The acquisition could reshape how travelers access alternative lodging options, potentially making niche RV experiences more widely known to Choice Hotels' existing customer base. The deal may also influence how traditional hospitality companies approach the outdoor travel segment, encouraging similar acquisitions or partnerships. Local businesses participating in Harvest Hosts' network could benefit from expanded marketing reach, while RV enthusiasts might gain access to more curated destinations through integrated booking systems.