- Hampton by Hilton ranked as the No. 1 hotel franchise in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for the 17th consecutive year.
- Hampton by Hilton ranked No. 8 overall in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, moving up one spot from No. 9 in 2025.
- 12 Hilton brands featured in this year’s rankings reflect the company’s global scale and strong performance across every category of hospitality.
- Annual rankings showcase Hilton’s leadership, innovation and the strength of its partnerships with owners worldwide.
MCLEAN, Va. – Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced today that Hampton by Hilton has been ranked the No. 1 hotel franchise on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for the 17th consecutive year, extending the brand’s record-setting run at the top of the Lodging category. Hampton by Hilton also ranked as the No. 8 brand overall on Franchise 500® – moving up one spot from No. 9 in 2025 – and marking the 11th year in the top ten.
Hampton by Hilton leads a strong showing throughout Hilton’s world-class portfolio, with a dozen brands recognized in this year’s rankings for their performance and franchise value. Those brands include DoubleTree by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Spark by Hilton and Canopy by Hilton.
“This recognition highlights the strength of Hilton’s brands and the people and partners who make them exceptional,” said Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton. “Our success comes from a shared commitment to creating great experiences for guests and strong results for our owners. As we look ahead, we’ll continue evolving our brands and investing in what matters most, delivering stays that inspire trust and value across every part of the Hilton portfolio.”
Hampton by Hilton: Defining Leadership in Hospitality
As the industry’s most widely recognized upper-midscale brand, Hampton by Hilton continues to define its category with more than 3,100 hotels across 46 countries and territories. Hampton's robust development pipeline makes it the world’s leading upper midscale hotel brand.
Hampton succeeds by being where travelers want to stay, enabled by a flexible, cost-efficient prototype and proven investment model that supports expansion with consistent quality and value. In the past year, Hampton has brought its signature offerings—including complimentary hot breakfast featuring The Hampton Waffle, elevated sleep experiences, and warm, friendly service, all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee™—to new countries and territories, including South Africa, Morocco, Georgia and St. Thomas in the Caribbean. The brand also celebrated the opening of its largest European property in Manchester, England.
“Seventeen years at the top is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to Hampton’s position as a true powerhouse brand that consistently delivers strong returns for owners and outstanding stay experiences for guests,” said Shruti Gandhi Buckley, senior vice president and brand leader, Hampton by Hilton. “This success reflects the passion our team members and franchise partners demonstrate each day as they bring Hamptonality, the brand’s signature service experience, to life. Their commitment strengthens traveler loyalty and drives strong performance for our owners.”
Hilton Celebrates Continued Industry Leadership in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®
Now in its 47th year, Entrepreneur Magazine’s Franchise 500® remains the industry’s most comprehensive franchise ranking. Brands are evaluated based on unit growth, financial strength and stability, brand power and support for franchisees. The achievement underscores Hilton’s reputation as one of the most trusted names in hospitality and a preferred choice for hotel owners and developers worldwide.
The full list of Hilton brands ranked in the 2026 Franchise 500 includes:
- Hampton by Hilton Ranked #8
- DoubleTree by Hilton Ranked #26
- Home2 Suites by Hilton Ranked #34
- Homewood Suites by Hilton Ranked #38
- Hilton Garden Inn Ranked #42
- Tapestry Collection by Hilton Ranked #59
- Tru by Hilton Ranked #62
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Ranked #88
- Hilton Hotels and Resorts Ranked #115
- Spark by Hilton Ranked #170
- Curio Collection by Hilton Ranked #223
- Canopy by Hilton Ranked #321
Hilton’s success reflects the power of its global scale and proven performance engine that delivers strong results for franchise owners. A key advantage for owners is the strength of the award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program, which consistently drives high-value, repeat guests to Hilton’s portfolio of 26 brands worldwide. By leveraging this powerful ecosystem, franchise owners benefit from increased demand, stronger occupancy and long-term guest loyalty that reinforces Hilton’s position as a preferred partner for owners and developers.
To view Hilton in the full rankings, visit entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January 2026 issue of Entrepreneur, available on newsstands.
Read more about Hilton’s portfolio of brands at stories.hilton.com.
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FAQ
The Entrepreneur Franchise 500® is the industry’s most comprehensive ranking of franchise opportunities. Brands are evaluated on growth, financial strength and stability, brand power and franchisee support.
Hilton had 12 of its world-class brands recognized in the 2026 Franchise 500®.
Hampton by Hilton was ranked No. 8 overall and No. 1 in the Lodging category for the 17th consecutive year, continuing its record-setting run as the top hotel franchise.
Hampton by Hilton hotels deliver trusted experiences for travelers around the world and strong franchise performance for owners.
12 Hilton brands earned top spots for franchise performance, innovation and value, including: DoubleTree by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Spark by Hilton and Canopy by Hilton.
Hilton is one of the most trusted hospitality companies in the world, known for its diverse portfolio of 26 brands for any guest and stay occasion.
Hampton by Hilton has ranked No. 1 in the Lodging category for 17 consecutive years.
Visit entrepreneur.com/franchise500 to explore the complete 2026 Franchise 500® list.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 26 world-class brands comprising more than 9,100 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 143 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 243 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
About Hampton by Hilton
As the No. 1 ranked lodging franchise for the last 17 years by Entrepreneur®, Hampton by Hilton — including Hampton Inn by Hilton and Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton — serves quality-driven and value-conscious travelers at more than 3,100 properties in 46 countries and territories around the globe. The brand continues to lead its segment by providing guests with high quality, thoughtfully designed accommodations and amenities, such as modern, spacious rooms and free hot breakfast featuring the signature Hampton Waffle. Hampton by Hilton is committed to delivering an exceptionally friendly and authentic service, all backed by the 100% Hampton Guarantee™. Experience a best-in-class stay at Hampton by Hilton by booking at hampton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hampton by Hilton at stories.hilton.com/hampton, and follow the brand on Facebook, Instagram and X.