Travelodge opens 400th hotel amid anniversary celebrations
Continuing its plan to become the largest hotel operator in London by the 2012 Olympic Games, Travelodge has now opened its 21st hotel in the capital, which is already fully booked for the next month.
Guy Parsons, who today also succeeds Grant Hearn as chief executive of Travelodge, said the group had ‘enormous growth opportunities ahead’ both within London and the rest of the UK.
“The mission is to make hotels accessible for everyone - to make staying in a hotel as normal as eating out in a restaurant,” he said. “Not only are we going to open another 18 hotels in London in the next two years, we are equally committed to keeping our prices as low as possible. With over two million rooms available at £19 or less you could say that great value is absolutely part of our DNA now and going forward.”
Official opening
London Mayor Boris Johnson was in attendance to officially open the hotel, thanking the group for opening their 400th hotel in what he deemed to be the ‘world’s number one tourist destination.’
“I’m deeply impressed that you’re not only opening this new hotel in the depths of a recession, but the way you do it and the value you offer,” he said. “I have no doubt that Travelodge will achieve their aim of becoming London’s biggest hotel chain by the 2012 Olympics, which will help to lengthen this city’s lead as the tourist capital of the world.”
Travelodge aims to operate 45 hotels within the capital by 2012, giving themselves an ‘unassailable’ 1000-room lead on competing brands.
To see an exclusive interview with Guy Parsons on his vision for the Travelodge brand, visit BigHospitality next week.
