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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
RFS Hotel Investors, Inc. on Form S-3 (file no. 333-03307) and on Form S-8 (file
no. 333-19411) of our report dated October 30, 1996, on our audit of the
combined financial statements of the GUS Hotels as of and for the year ended
December 31, 1995, which report is included in this current report on Form
8-K-A.



                                                        Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.





Memphis, Tennessee
February 14, 1997