Travelodge is adding another 10 sites to its budget hotels chain as it continues its push into city centres.
The group expanded faster than at any time in its history last year as competitors struggled in the recession and business travellers sought cheaper accommodation options.
Travelodge said the new sites, which have a combined investment value of £6
0.7m, would add 1,133 rooms to its portfolio.
Most of the new hotels will be in major cities, including three new properties in London, as the firm aims to be the biggest chain in the region by the 2012 Olympic Games.
Its latest move is expected to create 300 jobs, with all entry-level staff being recruited from the long-term unemployed via Job Centre Plus.
Paul Harvey, managing director for development, said: "In 2009 we secured more hotels than any other year in our history and have been able to attain superior sites due to lower property prices."
The new hotels will be in Bethnal Green, Bank and Ealing in London, the MEN Arena and Manchester University in Manchester, Bristol, Liverpool, Camberley, Cannock and Andover.
Half of Travelodge's hotels are now in city centres after a five-year move by the firm to rebalance away from roadside sites.
