Hampton by Hilton Named No. 1 Hotel Franchise on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500®, Extends Record 17‑Consecutive Year Run

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. 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. Chris Silcock, president, global brands and commercial services, Hilton

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. 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. Shruti Gandhi Buckley, senior vice president and brand leader, Hampton by Hilton

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.