Budget hotel group Travelodge opened its 13th London hotel in Wembley last weekend.

It has taken over the management contract for the 168-bedroom site from Express by Holiday Inn.

The building is owned by property developer Quintain Estates and Developers.

Ben Roberts, Travelodge development director, said: "Our highly competitive pricing structure and business model will enable us to make this hotel a success. 2006 will be a significant year for London, given the opening of the new Wembley stadium."

Travelodge has added 500 rooms to its London room count in the past year, taking the total to 2,000.

Bookings in the capital for Christmas 2005-06 rose by nearly a quarter (24%) compared with the previous year.

This opening follows Travelodge's recent acquisition of Number One, City Road, London, EC1.

The building, famously known as the headquarters for Singer, the sewing machine manufacturer, will reopen in 2007 as a 394-bed Travelodge.

By Emily Manson

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