Global Hotel Pipeline Smashes New Record: Over 15,800 Projects in Q2 2025
Hotel Projects Hit Unprecedented Numbers Worldwide
Picture this: hotel developers across the globe are in overdrive, with more projects in the pipeline than ever before. Q2 of 2025 set a new benchmark—15,871 hotel projects are in the works, translating to a jaw-dropping 2.4 million rooms. According to Lodging Econometrics, that's up 3% in projects and 2% in room count versus last year. If you think this is just a random spike, think again. These numbers back a steady, unbroken run of growth that started post-pandemic and hasn't lost pace.
The pipeline isn't just a huge pile of blueprints either. It breaks down into stages, each revealing something different about where the industry is heading. Right now, over 6,200 projects—making up more than a million rooms—are already under construction worldwide. This part of the pie didn't budge much in sheer project numbers over the past year, but the total room count dipped by 3%, hinting that some new-builds are leaning toward quality over quantity or perhaps more boutique-sized luxury experiences.
Look at what's coming next: nearly 3,870 projects are set to break ground within the next year. There's been a minor drop in the number of projects here but a slight growth in room numbers. What does that say? Developers are packing more rooms into fewer projects on average, perhaps eyeing bigger returns on single investments. But the real heat is in early-stage planning, which hit a record: 5,744 projects and almost 800,000 rooms—a massive 10% surge in projects since last year. That’s the clearest sign yet that hotel giants and investors are doubling down on future travel demand.
Luxury and Upscale Segments Lead the Charge
Drill down into the types of hotels, and the data tells another compelling story. Hotel construction is heavily weighted toward upper midscale and upscale accommodations, which together make up over half of all planned projects. For context, upper midscale hotels—think reliable, comfortable stays—have more than 4,460 projects lined up globally. Room numbers here slid by 1%, but the category is still holding steady among developers who want to capture travelers seeking comfortable but not overly fancy stays.
The real action is in the upscale bracket. Here, projects shot up 5% year-over-year, notching a record with 3,852 new hotels and a total of 655,674 rooms. It’s a clear signal: hotel operators are betting that travelers are ready to pay a little more for a better experience, especially as global travel demand snaps back.
The top end of the market isn't being left out, either. Upper upscale hotels—usually big-brand, city-center properties—hit a new record too: 1,807 projects and nearly 385,000 rooms. But the luxury sector stole the spotlight, jumping 11% in project count and 9% for rooms. That means there are now 1,267 luxury hotels in the global pipeline, accounting for more than 245,000 rooms. With this scale of growth, we’re not just talking about fancy lobbies and rooftop pools. Developers and brands are chasing wealthy travelers who want more than just a place to sleep—they want unique, experience-driven stays.
The United States stands out as the juggernaut in the story, headlining both in number of projects and sheer scale. American cities continue to draw the lion's share of investment, and with new hotels popping up from coast to coast, it's clear the market sees America as both a launchpad and a landing spot for post-pandemic hospitality. Combine that with the global boom in high-end projects, and you’ve got a sector racing ahead, driven by high expectations for how—and where—people will travel next.