Hotel checkout

Budget hotel-chain pioneers Travelodge are rolling out a new budget-luxe premium design across its UK properties.

A multi-million pound investment to upgrade 60 hotels this year will kickstart the programme with the aim of refurbishing five hotels by the end of April – London’s Southwark, Vauxhall and Wembley, Thame (Oxfordshire), and Southampton.

The redesign, described by Travelodge chief executive Craig Bonnar as “our most radical transformation to date”, begins with the hub of the hotel, the softly lit elegant reception area, with decorative panels, leather bench seating and wooden-style flooring.

Rooms are in the new signature Travelodge rich navy blue colour and kitted out with the luxurious king-size Dreamer bed in a box bed frame fitted with muted lighting, along with bedside reading lights and USB charging points. Above the bed hangs a serene piece of artwork inspired by lullabies, and other features include a spacious desk plus desk chair, and a relaxing statement armchair, together with complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

Whether you’re relaxing, working or socialising, guests will be well-catered for in the contemporary designed Bar Cafe with zones that range from counter seating with built-in USB points, to cosy booths and dining benches for bigger groups.

And ever sensitive to the need to be environmentally responsible, carpets are made from recycled fishing nets and old plastic bottles. Other green features include low energy lighting, motion-sensing controls and aerated showers and taps. Rooms start at £32 per night. travelodge.co.uk

Have a Loki at the new Viking-themed land at Drayton Manor theme park near Tamworth, Staffordshire,

this spring. Visitors will be immersed in the world of Norse gods with thrill rides, mythical mayhem and, for overnight stays, 10 new

Thor-style rooms at the attraction’s on-site four-star hotel. draytonmanor.

co.uk