Choice Hotels International is moving beyond traditional hotels with an agreement to acquire Harvest Hosts, an RV travel membership platform that connects travelers with overnight stays at wineries, farms, breweries, museums and other local businesses. The all-cash transaction values Harvest Hosts at approximately $130 million and gives one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors a direct position in the growing outdoor travel market.
Choice Hotels announced the deal on Sept. 30, saying it will acquire 100% of Harvest Hosts from growth equity firm Stripes and other shareholders. The transaction is expected to close Oct. 1, subject to customary conditions, and will be funded with cash on hand and borrowings under Choice’s existing revolving credit facility.
$130 Million Deal Keeps Harvest Hosts Independent
Harvest Hosts operates a network of more than 11,200 host locations, allowing members to stay overnight at participating small businesses without a traditional nightly camping fee. Its broader portfolio includes Escapees RV Club, Boondockers Welcome, CampScanner and Brit Stops, giving the company exposure to RV memberships, campground availability tools and motorhome travel in North America, the UK and Ireland.
Despite the acquisition, Harvest Hosts is expected to continue operating as a standalone brand. CEO Joel Holland will remain in charge alongside the existing leadership team, while employees will become part of Choice Hotels after closing. Choice said the structure is designed to preserve the community, host relationships and member experience that have supported Harvest Hosts’ growth.
The deal fits Choice’s long-running asset-light strategy. Rather than acquiring a large portfolio of physical campgrounds, the company is buying a membership and technology platform built around third-party locations. That approach has parallels with digital outdoor lodging marketplaces such as Hipcamp, although Harvest Hosts centers more heavily on RV travelers and membership-based overnight access.
Choice Expands Beyond the Traditional Hotel Stay
Choice says its loyalty customers already show strong interest in RV travel, creating an opportunity to connect Choice Privileges members with Harvest Hosts’ network. The acquisition could also give Harvest Hosts access to Choice’s marketing scale, loyalty reach and commercial technology while introducing hotel customers to a different kind of road-trip accommodation.
The move comes as major hospitality groups broaden their definitions of lodging. Marriott has been building its Outdoor Collection around nature-focused properties, while Choice itself has been expanding in extended stay through brands such as Everhome Suites. Harvest Hosts adds another category entirely: overnight RV experiences tied to local businesses rather than conventional rooms or resorts.
Choice said the acquisition is not expected to materially affect its 2026 financial results or change its share repurchase plans. Strategically, however, the transaction gives the company a new way to participate in road travel and outdoor tourism without abandoning the franchise-heavy model that underpins its hotel business.
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