Exhibit 23.1


                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
of Extended Stay America, Inc. on Form S-3 (No. 333-100), on Form S-3 (No.
333-21625), on Form S-3 (No. 333-32345), on Form S-8 (No. 333-10255), on Form
S-8 (No. 333-25639), and on Form S-8 (No. 333-43427) of our report dated January
27, 2000, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of Extended
Stay America, Inc. as of December 31, 1999 and 1998, and for the years ended
December 31, 1999, 1998, and 1997, which report is included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.


                                    PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP


Spartanburg, South Carolina
March 15, 2000