NEW YORK, Jan. 27, 2011-- Worldhotels, one of the leading groups of independent hotels worldwide, announced that it added a record 73 hotels and 20,000 guest rooms to the brand in 2010. These results represent a 35 percent increase in the number of hotels and rooms added in 2009 – making 2010 the strongest year of growth in the company's 40-year history. The new affiliate members bring the total number of hotels to more than 450 in 65 countries. The company's development plans for 2011 include adding 80 properties worldwide.

In total, 363 hotels around the globe applied for affiliation in 2010, yet only a small percentage were accepted due to brand's stringent membership requirements. Tom Griffiths, vice president of Worldhotels -The Americas, said he believes the record number of applications were due to several factors.

"First, independent hotels continue to grow in popularity as travelers are looking for unique experiences that standardized chain hotels rarely offer. Also, independent hoteliers need a partner that provides not only sales and marketing activities, but also leading technologies and sales databases; preferred partnerships with the top consortia, corporations and airlines, employee training; revenue management services; and the best global footprint. And, finally, Worldhotels has proven itself to be a strong return on investment for affiliates – especially during the challenging economy of the past couple years," said Griffiths.

Of the affiliate properties to join Worldhotels in 2010, 19 are in The Americas; 35 are located in Europe, the Middle East and Africa; and 19 are in the Asia Pacific region. The Americas' additions include: