Ron Rivett Obituary Miami, Florida – Ronald John “Ron” Rivett, the South Dakota entrepreneur who built the world’s largest budget motel chain and later launched a thriving extended-stay brand, died on December 9, 2023, at Baptist Medical Center in Miami, Florida. He was 83.
Rivett’s passing closes a remarkable chapter in American hospitality. In 1974, he opened the first Super 8 Motel in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with a bold but straightforward idea: clean, comfortable rooms at a price far lower than competitors. What began as a single property grew into more than 1,000 locations by 1993, when Rivett sold the chain for $125 million. Today, Super 8—now part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts—operates nearly 2,700 properties worldwide.
Not content to retire, Rivett returned to the industry in 2012, co-founding My Place Hotels of America with his grandson, Ryan Rivett. The brand catered to travelers seeking affordable extended-stay options, blending value with modern amenities. As of 2020, My Place had more than 100 franchises in 36 states, and it continues to expand under Ryan’s leadership.
More Than a Businessman
Those who knew Rivett describe him as an innovator with a personal touch. Friends and colleagues recall him as a hands-on leader who approached hospitality with curiosity and empathy. One former manager remembered finding Rivett sitting in a hotel bathtub—testing a guest’s view and comfort first-hand. Others tell stories of his generosity, like the young man he took in during a difficult time, helping him get back on his feet.
“He had this uncanny foresight and a remarkable ability to cast a vision,” said Ryan Rivett. “In his pragmatic way, he made sure the businesses he built would hold their value and integrity long after he was gone.”
His obituary described him as “a student of life, passionate husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, entrepreneur, and outdoorsman,” underscoring his broad curiosity and love for the world beyond the boardroom.
Shaping the Way America Travels
Rivett’s influence reaches far beyond the companies he built. His Super 8 model anticipated what budget travelers expect today: consistent quality, recognizable branding, and an honest price. By creating a reliable option for middle-class Americans on the road, he helped democratize travel at a time when affordable lodging was unpredictable.
With My Place Hotels, Rivett identified a rising trend in extended-stay accommodations, meeting the needs of business travelers, relocating families, and long-term guests. This foresight placed him ahead of many industry competitors and reflected his gift for spotting practical gaps in the market.
A Lasting Legacy
Rivett’s life story is a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean high-tech disruption—it can come from refining the basics and keeping people at the center of the business. His work changed where millions of travelers lay their heads at night, and his values—affordability, reliability, and care for the guest experience—continue to shape the industry.
As hospitality faces new challenges, from shifting leisure patterns to economic pressures, Rivett’s legacy remains a guiding example. The brands he built still stand for the principles he believed in: give travelers a fair deal, deliver on promises, and never lose the human touch.
