The Newest 'Made In China' Item: Hotels

Hotel operator Travelodge is planning to build pre-fabricated hotels in Shenzhen that can be assembled in locales in need of a short term boost in rooms -- such as Olympic host cities.

1 minute read

May 17, 2008, 9:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera


"Visitors to the Olympics in 2012 will be staying in some hotels made in China.

Travelodge is planning to build several "modular" hotels in the capital in time for the Games. The 120-room structures, pre-built in metal containers in factories near Shenzhen, can be quickly dismantled and relocated for large events.

A company spokesman said yesterday that no specific sites had been identified yet. The prefab approach cuts building time by a quarter and costs by 10 per cent, allowing savings to be passed on in the form of cheaper room rates.

The first recyclable hotel is due to open in Uxbridge next month where rooms will cost as little as £19 a night. Another is expected near Heathrow by the end of the year. But Simon Storer, of the Construction Products Association, said: "Lowest cost is not necessarily best value as this doesn't take into account the CO2 emissions from the transport."

Unions also condemned the idea of exporting construction jobs abroad during a time of intense uncertainty in the British property industry."

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 in The Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City