Travelodge believes it can replicate its UK success abroad

The firm said that it would open about 100 hotels by 2020 in its �700m programme - initially targeting Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.

Travelodge said that Spanish consumers' appetite for budget products - and rising internet usage - made it confident the move would be a success.

It also hoped UK customers would stay in the hotels when they visited Spain.

"Travelodge has an important role in international markets, like Spain, which are building high-demand for the no-frills approach," said chief executive Grant Hearn.

He described the expansion as "an important part of Travelodge's longer-term growth strategy".

Earlier this year the Travelodge announced a plan to open about 40 new hotels each year in the UK until 2020 - concentrating its programme in the Greater London area, as well as Wales and Scotland.

The Travelodge group which operates about 300 hotels. was bought by Dubai International Capital in a �675m private equity deal last year.