Motel 6 gets social with Facebook booking application

One doubts many people at the Blackstone Group, which recently acquired Motel 6, will get much use out of it, but the economy lodging brand just launched a booking application on Facebook.

Guests can start and complete a Motel 6 booking without leaving Facebook, choosing from 1,100 properties in the U.S. and Canada. They can even enter Corporate Plus identification numbers for discounts.

Lance Miceli, Motel 6's chief marketing officer, views the Facebook app as "a strong addition to our suite of mobile booking apps" as guests often book last-minute and/or while on the road.

Targeted advertising across Facebook will support the new booking engine, Motel 6 says.

The advertising no doubt won't be targeted at Blackstone partners, who tend to like more upscale stays.