The new openings include Aberdeen, Chester, Colwyn Bay, Edinburgh (three), Hull, London (two), Morecambe, Rugby and Wincanton.
Six of the 26 are going concern properties, following the conversion of ten hotels last year.
Travelodge chief executive, Grant Hearn, commented: ‘Despite a very challenging market, we have chosen to invest and grow throughout the recession and for many more years to come.
‘The prevailing economic climate has accelerated the forecasted structural change of the hotel market as consumers have chosen low-cost, quality accommodation rather than over-priced full service and mid-market establishments.’
The new 2010 hotels will take Travelodge’s UK portfolio to over 400 properties and more than 30,000 rooms.
Last month the chain announced a £100m development fund, in conjunction with Twenty10 Fund Management Ltd, to step up its UK growth drive.
The fund will develop five new hotels in London and other major UK cities annually, with the properties leased to Travelodge on 25-35 year contracts.
Paul Harvey, managing director of development at Travelodge, said: ‘This funding will ensure that we are more nimble and enable us to capitalise on opportunities that are presented to us without an investment partner.’
The seven-year fund is currently in the process of raising £50m of equity, which will be supplemented by £50m of bank debt.
Travelodge will also invest £500,000 in the fund.
See also:
Travelodge outlines latest expansion (03/11/2009)
Survey questions value of premium hotel brands (16/09/2009)
Travelodge adds mix of leisure and corporate stock (17/07/2009)
Travelodge benefits from consumers trading down (14/05/2009)
Corporate boost for Travelodge (01/05/2009)