New acquisitions as part of rebrand strategy
Travelodge has finalized the acquisition of four former Ibis hotels, adding to its portfolio as part of its ongoing rebrand efforts. These newly acquired properties, located in Preston, Bradford Shipley, Chesterfield, and Cardiff, collectively offer 324 rooms. Three of the hotels have been acquired freehold, while Cardiff has been secured under a 25-year lease agreement.
As part of a multi-million-pound renovation program, these hotels will be refurbished to meet Travelodge’s updated design standards, which include a contemporary reception area and next-generation rooms. The aim is to enhance comfort and functionality for guests.
“These acquisitions are another strong addition to our UK portfolio and demonstrate the continued momentum behind our rebrand-led growth strategy. We’re seeing increasing opportunities to convert well-located, existing hotels into Travelodges, and we’re actively looking for more. These hotels are able to open much quicker than new development schemes, as no planning or other consents are required, and they also remove other competitors’ room stock from the market, rather than adding new supply, so they are a great way for Travelodge to open new rooms.” – Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge
Prime locations to drive customer demand
Each newly acquired hotel is strategically located with excellent transport links and access to local attractions, ensuring high potential for attracting both business and leisure travelers:
- Preston North: Close to the M6, this 82-room hotel offers easy access to Preston city center, Manchester, and the Lake District.
- Bradford Shipley: A scenic, canal-side, 78-room hotel, a short walk from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire Village and well-connected to Leeds by rail.
- Chesterfield Town Centre: A 86-room hotel within walking distance of the town center and railway station, near attractions such as theatres, museums, and the Peak District, and a short drive from Chatsworth House.
- Cardiff Gate: A 78-room hotel just off the M4, near Cardiff Gate Business Park, with easy access to Cardiff city center and Cardiff International Airport.
Future growth and strategy
Travelodge’s rebrand strategy remains a key component of its UK growth plan, with the company continuing to target both rebranding opportunities and new developments. With over 12,500 rooms added this year, Travelodge has identified over 300 additional locations across the UK and 20 more in Spain to further expand its network.
“Our strategy remains focused on acquiring and developing hotels in areas where we know there is customer demand, to give even more people access to high-quality, great-value accommodation, and we have identified over 300 locations throughout the UK with sufficient demand drivers to open a new Travelodge.” – Steve Bennett, Chief Property and Development Officer at Travelodge
As Travelodge pushes forward with its ambitious growth program, these recent acquisitions further highlight the company’s ability to adapt its portfolio to meet evolving market demands.
