Best Western International expects to strengthen its North American development pipeline in 2013 with 110 to 120 properties either constructed or converted.

More than 80 per cent of these hotels expected to be a Best Western Premier or Best Western Plus properties.

More than 40 per cent of Best Western’s 2013 development pipeline will be new construction projects, up from 35 per cent in 2012 and will add more than 10,800 guestrooms to the Best Western system.

In addition, Best Western hoteliers in North America are expected to invest approximately $70 million in property upgrades this year.

Ten to 15 of these projects will include the hotel brand’s new extended-stay prototype, which is being introduced in response to growing interest from existing Best Western owners and developer interest.

These new accommodations will offer flexible guestrooms designed for longer stays, making up 20 to 100 per cent of each property’s room mix.

“A resurgence in confidence from developers coupled with strong demand for rooms in gateway cities and an elevated interest in developing within the mid-scale market will translate to a successful year for the Best Western brand,” said Mark Williams , vice president of North American development for Best Western International.

“Our priority is to develop compelling hotels across all three Best Western descriptors that deliver strong revenue for hoteliers by attracting a strong mix of business and leisure travellers.”

Best Western is currently developing new hotels in cities across North America including Oakland, Calif., Houston and Cincinnati, as well as oil-rich markets in Texas and Alberta, Canada.

The hotel brand plans to introduce in early 2013 its first Premier hotel in Manhattan, the Best Western Premier New York City Herald Square.

The chain also plans to unveil several properties in the Caribbean this year, including the Best Western Plus Condado Palm Inn & Suites in San Juan, Puerto Rico, a vibrant 151-room hotel complete with a restaurant, nightlife offerings, outdoor pool and free breakfast, and its first hotel in Haiti, the Best Western Premier Petion-Ville.

Overlooking Port-au-Prince, the 106-room luxury hotel will offer fine dining, a full-service spa, pool and meeting and event space.