Travelodge to spend £140m on 20 new London hotels

Travelodge intends to spend £140m on 20 new hotels in the run up to the London Olympics in 2012, transforming it into the largest hotelier in the capital.

The company will bolster its portfolio by 3,500 bedrooms if successful, taking its London bedroom count to around 7,000 rooms.

Five sites are being sought in the Olympic area covering the main sporting stadiums including two in the village, and around 750 jobs will be created

Chief executive of Travelodge Grant Hearn said: “We are investing not only in London but specifically the in the potential of the 2012 Olympics. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for British Tourism.”

Travelodge will open four new sites in the capital during 2007, representing 1,000 rooms. Properties include City Road, London Terminal 5, Euston and Southwark.

As part of British Tourism Week, Hearn has called on the Government to commit to a clearer marketing structure, a funding increase for tourism bodies and more powers for London’s mayor.

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By Chris Druce

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