39 affordable hotel chains only locals know

Aug 29, 07 | 1:57 am
By Colleen Clark

The sample rates are for a double room on a weekday this month.
WORLDWIDE
Barceló Hotels & Resorts
Properties: 129 properties, in 14 countries, that include the moderately priced Barceló Comfort hotels and the more stylish Barceló brand. Based in Spain. Sample rate: $161, at Barceló Valencia. barcelo.es

Domina Hotels & Resorts
Properties: 11 hotels in Europe and North Africa, often with locally influenced decor, on-demand movies, and concierges. Based in Italy. Sample rate: $136, at the Domina Inn Fiesta in Budapest. dominahotels.com

Etap Hotel
Properties: 370 low-budget locations in 11 countries--standard rooms contain a double bed, a bunk, and a bathroom. Based in France. Sample rate: $59, at the Etap Hotel Nice Palais Nikaïa in France. etaphotel.com

Husa Hoteles
Properties: More than 160 properties that run the gamut from remote resorts to inexpensive city hotels, in countries like Spain, Belgium, France, Argentina, and Egypt. Based in Spain. Sample rate: $88, at the Husa Arcipreste de Hita in Madrid. husa.es

Iberostar Hotels & Resorts
Properties: 100 properties, most located beachside with swimming pools and large gardens, in Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and North Africa. Based in Spain. Sample rate: $248, at the Iberostar Playa de Muro in Majorca. iberostar.com

Ibis Hotels
Properties: 800 mid-level hotels, with 24/7 reception and other services, in 38 countries. Based in France. Sample rate: $94, at the Ibis Warszawa Centrum in Poland. ibishotel.com

Mercure
Properties: 762 properties that are spread around the world (52 countries) and vary widely--some are stylish and chic, while others are more motel-like. Based in France. Sample rate: $145, at Mercure Sydney. mercure.com

Novotel
Properties: 397 large hotels with restaurants and lounges, in 54 countries. Based in France. Sample rate: $79, at the Novotel Xin Qiao Beijing in China. novotel.com

Pestana Hotels & Resorts
Properties: 38 properties that include beachfront high-rises and spa resorts, with a variety of room sizes and styles--many equipped with kitchens--in Portugal, Brazil, Mozambique, South Africa, Cape Verde, and São Tomé and Principe. Based in Portugal. Sample rate: $94, at the Pestana Atalaia, in Madeira, Portugal. pestana.com

Riu Hotels & Resorts
Properties: 105 locations, many all-inclusive, in resort areas of North Africa, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Europe. Based in Spain. Sample rate: $179 per person (all-inclusive), at the Hotel Riu Palace Cabo San Lucas. riu.com

Sol Meliã
Properties: 318 properties in 30 countries operating under six brands that include Sol Hotels, which are typically near a beach and have kid-friendly restaurants; Tryp Hotels, which also target families but are more likely to be in cities; and the new boutique-style ME by Meliã. Based in Spain. Sample rate: $64, at Tryp Burlada in Pamplona, Spain. solmelia.com