Travelodge: 2011 review and 2012 outlook

Following a year which saw Travelodge develop its Metrolodge strategy as well as securing deals with pubs and supermarkets, the budget hotel chain has added a further 146 new UK locations to its target requirements list for 2012.

The company has demonstrated good trading in 2011, capitalising on its strong trading position and the on-going weakness of the property market. And this looks set to continue into next year.

“Unlike other hotel companies we took the decision to continue expanding during the recession and we have reaped the benefits of doing this, said Travelodge chief executive Guy Parsons.

“Our ability to raise finance means that we are able to move quickly when other companies remain strangled by red tape."

2011: A timeline

Looking ahead: 2012

  • Of the 146 locations on the Travelodge target list, 65 of them are located within the Greater London area.
  • Four new locations have been added in the Lake District as well coastal destinations such as Hove, Peterhead and Newhaven.
  • Tourist and event hotspots have also been reviewed and the following locations have been added to the list: Edinburgh Zoo, Liverpool Aintree and the Glasgow SECC.

Parsons concluded: “We are flexible and willing to work with a wide variety of partners, ensuring that the developers who fund the construction of our hotels can move quickly and secure finance from a number of different sources.

“Next year we will open twelve more Greater London Travelodge’s, seven of which will open before the Olympics. These will further strengthen our position as the biggest hotel brand in London.”