NIGEL THOMPSON MARJORIE YUE The big budget, low budget flagship hotel
Britain’s biggest budget hotel chain opened a flagship property this week – and at a whopping cost of £95million it is certainly big budget.
The huge 395-room Travelodge in the City of London, close to Liverpool Street station, is the company’s 75th hotel in the capital and boosts its UK portfolio to 550.
And there’s no sign of its London growth slowing down either – four more hotels are under construction and it is actively looking for a further 100 sites for openings over the next 10 years, mainly in outer boroughs.
The new property celebrates 30 years in town for Travelodge and its PLUS grade represents the latest evolution for the firm, offering a “budget chic” feel, that is based on customer research and in partnership with a luxury travel design agency that has worked with British Airways and Etihad Airways on their first class lounges and plane cabins.
So what’s it like? Well, rather nice. I wouldn’t know a ‘’Tranquillity Zen colour scheme with tones of warm taupe, serenity beige and light white’’ if I fell over it, but it looked smart, light and airy throughout to me.
The 253 standard rooms come with clean lines, a signature king-size Dreamer bed, blackout curtains, USB ports and eye-catching pixel wall art showcasing popular British locations (look at it through your smartphone camera for the full effect).
Upgrade to one of 142 SuperRooms and you add a power shower, Lavazza coffee machines, irons and ironing boards, larger desks and more USB power points. These will be very popular for business stays. On the ground floor the Bar Café has areas for drinks and snacks, working, and dining from a menu that’s surprisingly interesting for a budget chain: Japanese katsu curry and superfood chicken salad, for example. But if you want a burger or a full English, you’re good for that.
Rates start at £39 a night at travelodge.co.uk, add about £10-£20 for a SuperRoom. Years ago, staying at a Travelodge was almost a last resort. With more hotels like this around, and plenty of value, it could now be your first choice. holiday-rentals.maeva.com draytonmanor.co.uk Helly Hansen Women’s Helsinki 3-in-1 Raincoat, £350, on sale soon
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