New Travelodges could boost local economy and create jobs

Plans for hotel chain Travelodge to expand its network including new branches in St John’s Wood, Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, Highgate, Kentish Town, West Hampstead, Belsize Park and Camden have been revealed. Travelodge’s research shows that, on average, their customers will spend at least double their room rate with local businesses during their stay, equivalent to an annual, multi-million-pound boost into the local economy. The firm has proposed joint development partnerships with Camden and Barnet Councils for the projects. Local authorities will also have the choice of either retaining ownership of the hotel and receiving an annual rent into the council’s revenue budget or selling the hotel with Travelodge as its operator.