As a fast and affordable alternative to new construction, hotel conversions have been a way for owners and developers to quickly grow portfolio scale. 

Throughout the first half of 2024, hotel conversions remained highly desirable, reaching record project counts in the total U.S. hotel construction pipeline in Q1 and making up a good portion of projects in the pipeline in Q2, according to Lodging Econometrics. 

And hospitality pros told Hotel Dive in January that hotel conversion activity would remain heightened through year-end. 

Major hotel players Hilton, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Choice Hotels International and Marriott International all attributed their Q1 2024 pipeline growth, in part, to hotel conversions. The companies have each recently launched conversion-friendly brands to keep up with demand — and have ambitious growth plans for their respective flags. 

Below is a roundup of the top conversion-focused brands to watch in the second half of this year as their development pipelines expand globally.