If planning a trip to Brazil to watch the 2014 World Cup, the 2016 Summer Olympics, or just to relax on the beaches, chances are the hotel you will be stay at is new and won't cost an arm and leg to afford.
"200 hotels are currently under construction, while another 170 hotels are slated to open within the next three years," according to industry tracker Lodging Econometrics.
The other key factor of the recent boom in hotel construction besides the two events is "Brazil's emerging middle class, which is prompting a rush of eager but budget-conscious people to explore the country," said Ricardo Suarez, Starwood's executive in charge of Brazil development, according to USA Today.
Granted, some of the newly built hotels will be high-end properties with names such as Hilton and Grand Hyatt, the vast majority will be brands known for value, according to Lodging Econometrics' Bruce Ford. Expect most of them to be from brands such asNovotel, Ibis, Holiday Inn, Super 8 and Tryp by Wyndham - all either mid-priced or economy lodgings.
"French hospitality giant Accor leads the pack with 55 hotels under construction, primarily under the mid-priced Novotel and budget-priced Ibis names," Ford says, according to USA Today. IHG, which is developing mostly Holiday Inns and Holiday Inn Express locations, comes in at No. 2, followed by Hilton.
Marriott International, who currently have five hotels - Courtyard or Fairfield Inn locations - under construction "are in negotiations to ink deals for more upscale hotels including Marriott, Renaissance and 'even a luxury brand," said Marriott executive Craig Smith.
The boom will change the way Brazilians, located in hotel-boom cities socialize.
"When you look at Western brands coming to the market, you're going to get more full-service out of a select service brand," Ford says. "You go to a Courtyard in Brazil will have a three-meal-a-day restaurant," according to USA Today.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
