RLJ Lodging hopes lodgers and investors alike trust it with their funds. The self-administered real estate investment trust (REIT) owns more than 125 urban hotels in 20-plus states, operating under brands such as Courtyard and Residence Inn by Marriott, Hilton Homewood Suites and Garden Inn, HyattPlace, and Embassy Suites. Most of these properties cater to business and other extended-stay guests. The hotels are owned by the REIT but managed by third-parties. RLJ Lodging was formed in 2011 from the assets and operations of RLJ Development, a private equity fund manager started and run by entrepreneur Robert L. Johnson.