Today, at the official opening ceremony of Dover Travelodge, Kent’s first branded budget hotel operator announced that it is looking to almost double its portfolio in the county and is seeking a further 12 hotel sites.
This expansion represents an investment of £60m, a job creation of 300 and will boost Travelodge’s portfolio in Kent to 25 hotels.
Locations include: Beckenham, Bluewater/Ebbsfleet, Canterbury, Dartford, Deal/Sandwich, Folkestone, Gillingham/Rochester, Herne Bay/Whitstable, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Swanley and Tonbridge.
Tony O’Brien, Travelodge UK Property Director, said, “Today is a double celebration for Travelodge. Not only have we opened our first hotel in Dover but this opening also cements our presence at the UK’s busiest cruise ship ports. Dover was the outstanding port and we are thrilled to bring good quality accommodation at a great value price in the heart of the town centre, close to the cruise and ferry terminals.”
“Looking forward, Kent remains a key growth area for Travelodge. The county’s reputation as a great short break destination is flourishing and attracting record visitor numbers. However, there is still a shortage of branded budget accommodation across Kent.
'Therefore to meet this growing consumer demand we are looking for 12 new hotel sites across the county. This expansion will nearly double our presence in Kent to 25 hotels and represents an investment of £60 million and a job creation of 300.”
The Leader of Dover District Council, Councillor Keith Morris, and Chairman of the council, Councillor Sue Chandler, joined Travelodge UK Property Director, Tony O’Brien to officially open the Dover hotel.
Dover Travelodge, a purpose built, 108-room hotel with Bar Café and on-site car-parking represents a £9m investment for the landlord, Legal & General, undertaken by the council’s development partner Bond City Ltd, and has created 30 new jobs within the local community. It overlooks Dover Castle and is one of the first businesses to open at St James retail and leisure development.
The hotel’s Bar Café offers a breakfast, dinner and bar menu. Travelodge’s ‘Unlimited’ breakfast menu is just £8.95 per person and for each paying guest two children eat for free.