Travelodge gets into bed with pub companies

Travelodge has announced it is targeting £100m of development opportunities by partnering with pub companies.

The expansion programme will see the hotel giant co-locate with 36 pubs across the UK by 2015.

Travelodge is already co-located with pub companies in 15 locations and is now working with firms including Greene King, JW Lees, Marston’s, Mitchells & Butlers (M&B) and JD Wetherspoons on future opportunities.

Paul Harvey, Travelodge managing director for development, said: “The pub companies have noticeably stepped up their development plans over recent months and in many parts of the country their target locations correspond with ours.

“We have been contacted by all the major players in the market and we are now pro-actively seeking out sites with them. A combined hotel/pub development is attractive to banks and funders, making the development process a lot quicker than it otherwise may be”.

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said:

“While pubs have faced tough times in recent years, this is a great example of how they are fighting back. Pubs are perfectly placed to provide the hospitality at sites next to hotels.  

“Innovation like this is a key ingredient in making a success of new pub openings – and it’s a success story we should be highlighting.”