Exhibit 23





                       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 29, 1999, on our audits of the consolidated  financial statements
of Extended Stay America,  Inc. as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, which report is included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                                  PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP


Spartanburg, South Carolina
March 26, 1999