Travelodge has opened a £13m, 184-bedroom hotel in Covent Garden – its 13th property in London.

Grant Hearn, Travelodge chief executive, said: “Travelodge started the hotel revolution 21 years ago and has continued to lead the way in budget accommodation – particularly in London.

“As a low-cost operator, our hotels are available to everyone. In 2006, we are opening more hotels than any other hotel brand in the UK, with a new property opening every nine days.”

The company plans to deliver a further 14,000 rooms in the next five years, including new London hotel openings at City Road, Euston Station and Waterloo in 2007 and Heathrow Terminal Five in 2008. Details: www.travelodge.co.uk

Chief executive Grant Hearn invited Sir Rocco Forte – founder of Travelodge 21 years ago – to formally open the new hotel.

Photograph: Sir Rocco Forte and Hearn outside the new Travelodge