Travelodge has officially opened its second hotel in Oxford – the Abingdon Road Travelodge.
The company’s 524th hotel is a purpose built, 83-room property which represents an investment value of £6.5 million and has created 23 new jobs. The hotel features Travelodge’s new contemporary design and becomes the latest Travelodge to feature a Bar Café.
Travelodge currently operates six hotels across Oxfordshire which have been all been upgraded as part of the company’s £100m investment programme to deliver greater quality to its customers. All the company’s UK hotels now feature a new contemporary room design and include the bespoke luxurious king-size Travelodge Dreamer bed.
Travelodge is now embarking on an expansion drive to add hotels in up to 250 additional locations across the UK. Travelodge Chief Executive, Peter Gowers announced at the opening that the company is seeking to double its presence in Oxfordshire, with plans to open or secure further sites in key locations including: Oxford, Abingdon, Didcot, Witney, Banbury and Henley-upon-Thames.
The proposed Oxfordshire expansion programme is expected to represent a total investment value of £40 million and to create 175 new jobs, offering a £10m boost to the local economy – with every Travelodge guest expected to spend double the amount with local businesses during their stay that they spend on their hotel room. Each room has en-suite facilities with eco-friendly showers, in-room toiletries including liquid soap, a flat screen TV with 18 free digital channels, free tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi for 30 minutes during every stay.
Peter Gowers, Travelodge Chief Executive said: “The area around Oxford is becoming an ever more desirable place to live and work. With rising demand for value hotels, especially from start-up small businesses and families on a tight travel budget, it’s a place we want to invest in. We are looking to double our portfolio in Oxfordshire, creating new jobs and bringing a further boost to the local economy.”
