At first glance, David Luparello may appear to be a novice hotelier, having opened his first property just two years ago, together with partners Francisco Candal and Kevin McDowell.

But don't be fooled. “I'm a contractor and for years built hotels for other people. I decided it was time to build one and keep one for myself,” says Luparello.

Luparello built hotels for several major brands but when it came time to invest his own money, chose La Quinta^®. “I just really like La Quinta,” relates Luparello. “It's a very good and competitive brand. I like their policies, their people, and the way they support their franchisees through training and a great reservations system.”

Luparello's first La Quinta is located in Lafayette, LA, a busy suburban area with a robust oil industry and university. “We're running a high occupancy and good ADR,” reports Luparello. “It's a good market to begin with, and the La Quinta name is recognized as a quality, reputable brand.”

In the past five years, La Quinta has invested more than $240 million in its company-owned properties, a point that shows a dedication to quality and customer satisfaction, observes Luparello. “They have standards and consistency but they also have ownership. So if they decide to change the showerheads, it's a cost they'll carefully consider as it affects them as well as their franchisees.”

Back to franchise support, Luparello marvels at how easy it is to get a response from La Quinta headquarters to any concern he may have. “They return phone calls within 24 hours. I can get Raj Trivedi (Senior Franchise Development Officer for the company) on the phone right now. I have his mobile number programmed in my phone, and with the push of a button he's there. He knows what's going on in his company like you know what's going on in your home.”

Luparello and his partners have another La Quinta slated to open next January in Covington, LA and they just bought a third franchise in Slidell, LA. And from there? “We're looking for more sites,” says Luparello.