Travelodge

Travelodge in the USA

The Travelodge brand was established by the original Travelodge Corporation's founder, Scott King, in 1939 with the opening of the chain's first motels in Southern California. The first Travelodge opened in San Diego in 1940. For many years, Travelodge was headquartered in El Cajon, California, which is located east of San Diego. During its early years, Travelodge emphasized itself as a budget motel chain that offered functional accommodations at rates lower than other chains by shunning fancy frills in favor of functional amenities such as comfortable beds, free TV and room phones, carpeted floors, in-room coffee pots and swimming pools. Travelodge also emphasized that its motels were centrally located in or near downtown areas in order to be convenient to local restaurants, churches, theaters, shopping areas and tourist attractions.

In North America travelodge is franchised by Wyndham Worldwide, the world's largest hotel chain. Targeting families with children, it is best known for its mascot Sleepy Bear, a half awake teddy bear wearing a sleeping cap with his name, a robe with the Travelodge logo, and slippers. Travelodge also has a brand of lower-price motels called Thriftlodge with another mascot named TJ, a freckle-faced bear with a baseball cap and a t-shirt with the Thriftlodge logo and the name TJ on it.

Travelodge in Canada

The Canadian Travelodge hotels are unusual for a Cendant chain, for they do not participate in Cendant's TripRewards loyalty program (which American hotels do); they rather operate a separate loyalty program called Guest Rewards.

Travelodge in the United Kingdom and Ireland

The Travelodge brand also exists in the United Kingdom, however it is a completely separate company, the only connection to the US brand being the name. Travelodge was formerly a division of Forté Hotels, and was known as Forté Travelodge. Since then it has become a company in its own right and has over 300 Travelodge hotels, mainly located beside motorways and major roads with many located next door to Little Chef restaurants or Moto service areas. The first hotel opened in 1985 near Lichfield. Increasingly UK Travelodges can also be found in the centres of major towns and cities. It is the fastest growing hotel chain in the UK. In year 2003 was acquired by Permira and in 2006 sold to Dubai International Capital.

Travelodges in the UK specialise in rooms at £46-89 per night but if booked in advance for £15 or £26. 80% of the rooms are now booked online.

Travelodge also operate nine hotels in the Republic of Ireland and three hotels in Spain. Currently, SMORGS Ltd hold the franchise to the Travelodge brand within the Republic of Ireland.

A typical Travelodge UK, ROI or Spain family room would consist of: king or double size bed, sofa bed, pull-out bed, plus the standard facilities (en-suite bathroom, television, internet access etc.). Double and single rooms are available at some locations, depending on size.

Chantelle Houghton - A British celebrity, has been referred to as "Paris Travelodge", suggesting she is a somewhat cheaper, down-market version of Paris Hilton.

On 24 October 2006, the BBC Watchdog programme highlighted Travelodge's policy of overbooking their hotels, turning guests away even when they have booked against a credit card.

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