<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF RFS HOTEL INVESTORS FOR THE SIX MONTH ENDED DECEMBER 31,
1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                           DEC-31-1998
<PERIOD-START>                              JAN-01-1998
<PERIOD-END>                                JUN-30-1998
<CASH>                                            3,848
<SECURITIES>                                          0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    15,040
<ALLOWANCES>                                          0
<INVENTORY>                                           0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                      0
<PP&E>                                                0
<DEPRECIATION>                                        0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  690,605
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                             8,989
<BONDS>                                         272,710
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                 0
<PREFERRED>                                          10
<COMMON>                                            250
<OTHER-SE>                                      372,260
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    690,605
<SALES>                                               0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                 25,601
<CGS>                                                 0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                         0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  9,120
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                      0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                3,962
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                  12,671
<INCOME-TAX>                                          0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                   0
<DISCONTINUED>                                        0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                       0
<CHANGES>                                             0
<NET-INCOME>                                     11,492
<EPS-BASIC>                                         .45
<EPS-DILUTED>                                       .44