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. 333-21625) and on Form S-8
(No. 333-10255) of our report dated February 6, 1997 on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements of Extended Stay America, Inc., and the
incorporation by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K of our report
dated October 16, 1995, on our audits of the financial statements of Welcome
Inn America 89-1, L.P.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
Spartanburg, South Carolina
March 4, 1997