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Travelodge
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article refers to the Travelodge brand around the world. For the Travelodge brand in the UK see Travelodge UK
Travelodge refers to several hotel chains around the world. Current operations include, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland and Australia however many of these are operated by independent companies who have no connection with the brand operating in other countries.
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The Travelodge brand was established by the original Travelodge Corporation's founder, Scott King, in 1939 with the opening of the chain's first motels in Southern California. The first Travelodge opened in San Diego in 1940. For many years, Travelodge was headquartered in El Cajon, California, which is located east of San Diego. During its early years, Travelodge emphasized itself as a budget motel chain that offered functional accommodations at rates lower than other chains by shunning fancy frills in favor of functional amenities such as comfortable beds, free TV and room phones, carpeted floors, in-room coffee pots and swimming pools. Travelodge also emphasized that its motels were centrally located in or near downtown areas in order to be convenient to local restaurants, churches, theaters, shopping areas and tourist attractions.
In North America Travelodge is franchised by Wyndham Worldwide, the world's largest hotel chain. Targeting families with children, it is best known for its mascot Sleepy Bear, a half awake teddy bear wearing a sleeping cap with his name, a robe with the Travelodge logo, and slippers. Travelodge also has a brand of lower-price motels called Thriftlodge with another mascot named TJ, a freckle-faced bear with a baseball cap and a t-shirt with the Thriftlodge logo and the name TJ on it.
The Canadian Travelodge hotels are unusual for a Wyndham chain. Though operating under the Travelodge brand, Travelodge Canada [1] administers the Master License for Travelodge and Thriftlodge in Canada. Travelodge Canada Corp. is a subsidiary of Royal Host Corp. [2] based in Calgary, Alberta.
Travelodge hotels in Canada do not participate in Wyndham's loyalty program TripRewards (offered by American hotels), rather, the Canadian properties operate a separate loyalty program called Guest Rewards. Launched in December 2003, the Guest Rewards Program is tailored to the Canadian market, including special features such as instant redemption for room credits right at the property.
Travelodge Canada also shares an exclusive partnership with Hbc, better known by its member stores the Bay, Zellers, Home Outfitters and more. This affiliation gives Travelodge guests in Canada the opportunity to participate in Hbc Rewards [3], a program unique to Travelodge Canada.
Travelodge is the third largest accommodation brand in Canada and with over 110 properties nationwide is widely known and trusted by North American travelers.