Travelodge
| Company type | Private (part of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts) |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hospitality |
| Founded | 1939 in Southern California, United States |
| Founder | Scott King |
| Headquarters | El Cajon, California (historically) , United States |
Area served | United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Asia |
| Products | Economy motels, full-service hotels |
| Parent | Wyndham Hotels and Resorts (North America); ICP (Asia) |
Travelodge—also known as Travelodge by Wyndham and formerly TraveLodge—is a hotel chain with operations spanning the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Spain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, and various regions in Asia. By the end of 2018, the brand oversaw 435 properties, comprising a total of 31,005 guest rooms.[1]
United States
Established in 1939 by entrepreneur Scott King in Southern California, Travelodge launched its inaugural property in San Diego the following year. For an extended period, its headquarters were located in El Cajon, California. Initially, the brand concentrated on providing affordable motel accommodations that were functional and priced below competing options. The company's strategy prioritized sites close to downtown areas to attract travelers desiring easy access to city amenities.
Currently, Travelodge offers a diverse range of lodging options, from economy motels to full-service hotels. In 1988, the company broadened its market presence by acquiring Skylight Inn of America, thereby strengthening its position within the midscale lodging segment.[2]
In 1996, following the divestiture of Travelodge North America by the Forte Group, HFS Inc.—which owned other hospitality brands including Days Inn and Ramada—purchased the Travelodge trademark and franchise operations for $39 million.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name HFS subsequently merged into Cendant Corporation, whose hotel division was later spun off as Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in 2006.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Travelodge primarily targets families traveling with children and has historically utilized its mascot Sleepy Bear—a teddy bear figure introduced in 1954 to boost brand identity. Although Sleepy Bear is no longer prominently featured, it remains an element of the brand’s nostalgic appeal. Additionally, Travelodge operates a more budget-friendly segment named Thriftlodge, which features the mascot TJ to attract cost-conscious guests.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
Asia / Australia
Based out of Australia and Singapore, Travelodge Hotels Asia oversees management and franchising of Travelodge properties across 22 significant markets throughout Asia. The brand marked a key expansion milestone with the opening of Travelodge Kowloon in Hong Kong in January 2017. Owned by ICP, a company listed on the Singapore Stock Exchange, Travelodge has extended its footprint into Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. In 2024, new hotels were launched in Seoul and Busan (South Korea), alongside the debut of its 20th property located in Kyoto, Japan.
Canada
In Canada, Travelodge operates under a Master Licence agreement for both Travelodge and Thriftlodge brands. This division is owned by Superior Lodging Development TL Corporation headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, functioning autonomously within the broader Wyndham Hotels and Resorts organization.
United Kingdom
Since its inception in 1985 with the opening of its initial hotel in Burton Upon Trent, Travelodge UK has undergone several ownership transitions and faced significant financial hurdles, including a debt load reaching £1 billion by 2008. Presently backed by Goldman Sachs, GoldenTree Asset Management, and Avenue Capital Group, the company has implemented a strategic repositioning aimed at catering primarily to families and corporate travelers.