7 Shocking Free Perks That Make Drury Inn & Suites The Ultimate Stay In 2025
As of December 2025, the hospitality industry continues to be dominated by brands that deliver exceptional value, and Drury Inn & Suites is leading the charge with a compelling, all-inclusive model. This family-owned company has not only maintained its reputation for "squeaky clean" rooms and friendly service but has also recently secured a record-breaking 19th J.D. Power Award for Guest Satisfaction, cementing its status as a guest favorite.
The secret to their success isn't just a comfortable room; it's a comprehensive package of amenities that are genuinely free, saving travelers hundreds of dollars on a multi-day trip. With major expansion underway—including new properties in key markets like Tampa, Mobile, and Lincoln—the Drury brand is more relevant and rapidly growing than ever before, making it a must-know name for both business and leisure travelers in 2025.
The Drury Dynasty: A 50-Year Family Legacy and Company Profile
Drury Hotels Company, LLC, is a rare entity in the modern corporate world: a 100% family-owned and operated hospitality business.
The company’s foundation was laid by the Drury family, specifically brothers Charles and Bob Drury, who grew up working on a family farm.
Their journey into hospitality began with the founding of the Drury Development Corporation in 1959.
The family built their first hotel, a Holiday Inn, in 1962 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
By 1974, Bob and his brothers officially formed what is known today as Drury Hotels, headquartered in metropolitan St. Louis, Missouri.
This enduring commitment to family ownership is often cited as the root of their service-oriented culture, which prioritizes a high-value guest experience.
The company now operates over 150 hotels across 30 states under several distinct brands, including the flagship Drury Inn & Suites, the upscale Drury Plaza Hotel, and the budget-friendly Pear Tree Inn by Drury.
The 7-Point Free Amenity Plan That Sets Drury Apart
The core of the Drury Inn & Suites value proposition is its commitment to providing a full suite of amenities at no extra cost, a strategy that saves guests significant money and reduces the complexity of travel budgeting. This 'all-in' model has become their unique selling point (USP).
1. The Famous Free 5:30 Kickback®
The 5:30 Kickback is perhaps the most celebrated amenity. Served nightly from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, it is more than just a snack—it’s a complimentary dinner alternative.
Guests receive free hot, savory food, which can include items like chili, pasta, baked potatoes, and salads.
Crucially, the Kickback also includes up to three complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages per adult, making it a true happy hour experience.
2. Free Hot Quikstart® Breakfast
Drury was one of the first hotel chains to offer a free hot breakfast to guests, starting in 2003.
This is not a simple continental breakfast but a full, fresh hot spread.
Offerings typically include scrambled eggs, sausage, Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, and various pastries.
3. Free Wi-Fi and High-Speed Internet Access
Reliable, high-speed wireless internet access is provided throughout the entire property, from guest rooms to common areas, at no charge. This is essential for both business travelers and families streaming content.
4. Free Parking
While many city hotels charge exorbitant daily parking fees, Drury Inn & Suites consistently offers free parking for all registered guests, eliminating a major hidden travel cost.
5. Free Soda and Popcorn
A simple but highly appreciated perk, complimentary soda and freshly popped popcorn are often available in the lobby throughout the afternoon and evening, offering a welcome treat after a long day of travel or meetings.
6. Indoor/Outdoor Pools and Whirlpools
Most Drury locations feature both indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as relaxing whirlpools, providing year-round recreational options for guests of all ages.
7. 24-Hour Fitness and Business Centers
For guests who need to maintain their routine, all properties include a 24-hour fitness center with modern equipment and a 24-hour business center for printing, computing, and work-related tasks.
Record Growth and New Destinations: Where Drury is Expanding in 2025
The company’s commitment to guest satisfaction is paying off, evidenced by its significant expansion and recent industry accolades. In July 2025, Drury Hotels earned its 19th consecutive J.D. Power Award for Guest Satisfaction in the Upper Midscale Segment, a record-breaking achievement that highlights their consistent quality.
The brand's growth trajectory is aggressive, with several high-profile properties opening or under construction throughout 2024 and 2025.
Key New Hotel Openings and Developments (2024–2025):
- Chattanooga, Tennessee: A new Drury Plaza Hotel opened in 2024, marking the company's third property opening that year.
- Lincoln, Nebraska: The first Drury location in Nebraska, a new Drury Plaza Hotel, opened its doors in December 2025.
- Pigeon Forge, Tennessee: A new resort-style Drury Plaza Hotel opened in July 2025, catering to leisure travelers visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park area.
- Tampa (Brandon), Florida: Construction is underway for a new Drury Plaza Hotel, which is slated to be the sixth Drury hotel in the state, with an anticipated 2025 opening.
- Mobile, Alabama: A major redevelopment project is underway, transforming a former Drury Inn & Suites into the new Drury Plaza Hotel Mobile, scheduled to open in October 2025.
- Charleston, South Carolina: The Drury Plaza Hotel North Charleston is under construction, representing the second Drury property in the state.
This rapid expansion, focusing on the higher-tier Drury Plaza Hotel brand, indicates a strategic move to capture both business and upscale leisure markets while maintaining the core value proposition of free amenities.
The Drury Rewards® Program and Future Outlook
Beyond the free amenities, the Drury Rewards® program offers an additional layer of value. Members can unlock exclusive, member-only rates when booking directly through the Drury Hotels website or app.
The program is known for its simplicity and fast redemption, allowing frequent guests to quickly earn free nights.
Looking ahead, the Drury Hotels brand is positioned for continued success. By leveraging their 50-year history of family-driven service, their industry-leading streak of J.D. Power awards, and their unique, cost-saving amenity package (especially the 5:30 Kickback®), Drury Inn & Suites and its sister brands are setting a high bar for the upper midscale segment.
For travelers seeking a predictable, high-quality, and deeply economical stay, the choice is clear. The company's focus on providing a genuine "home away from home" experience, complete with free food and drinks, ensures that the Drury name will remain synonymous with the best value in American hospitality for years to come.
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