Super 8, a prominent name in budget accommodations, began its journey in the 1970s and has since grown into the world's largest motel chain, with over 2,900 locations globally. Known for its affordability and accessibility, Super 8 has evolved both in service and visual branding to maintain its relevance and appeal.

Meaning and History

Super 8 was founded in 1973 by Ron Rivett and Dennis Brown, who envisioned a business offering affordable stays for travelers. Its name, "Super 8," reflects the motel's original room rate of $8.88, highlighting its focus on budget-friendly accommodations. Over the decades, the brand has expanded under Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, serving millions of guests worldwide.

Visual Identity Evolution

Super 8's logo has undergone significant transformations to reflect changes in branding and modern aesthetics.

1982: The Classic Plaque Look

The original logo took inspiration from house number plaques, with a bold black "8" as the centerpiece. The words "Super" and "Motel" were set in red, arranged above and below the number in a curved fashion. Yellow segments with black decorative elements framed the design, creating a traditional and slightly ornate appearance.

2008: Sleek and Dynamic

In 2008, the logo adopted a sleeker, more contemporary style. The "8" became red and italicized, signifying motion and energy. The cursive "Super" added a personal, handwritten feel, while swooshes introduced a sense of dynamism. The word "Motel" was removed, and unnecessary decorative elements were stripped away, resulting in a cleaner, more modern look. Depth was added through white and black highlights.

2018: Clean and Modernized

The 2018 redesign retained key elements from the 2008 version, including the italicized red "8," the cursive "Super," and the yellow background. However, the shape was simplified into a rectangle, giving the logo a cleaner and more structured appearance. The addition of "By Wyndham" connected the brand to its parent company, enhancing its credibility and global appeal.

Font and Color

The Super 8 logo features two distinct typographic styles:

• "Super": The bold and stylized cursive font, resembling Deluge Regular, adds a friendly and approachable touch.
• "By Wyndham": A clean sans-serif font similar to P22 Underground CY Demi Petite Caps, emphasizing modernity and professionalism.

The color palette, dominated by yellow and red with black and white accents, symbolizes energy, warmth, and reliability—qualities that align with the brand's identity as a budget-friendly, dependable motel chain.

Super 8 Today

Super 8 continues to serve as a trusted choice for travelers seeking affordable accommodations. Its iconic logo, with its vibrant colors and dynamic design, reflects the brand's dedication to quality and value while embracing its heritage as an accessible and energetic hospitality leader.