| If
there are any hotels which are so difficult to be classified,
they are airport hotels. Some are so far away from the airport
that sometimes one wonders why they are called as such.
Nevertheless, it is not so much the distance that factors
in our reviews but the how the hotels over value-for-money
together with what they are doing to make themselves ‘fit-for-purpose’
as airport hotels.
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Travelodge
lures guests in with ‘A-ROOM-ATHERAPY’
When Travelodge announced that it would be UK’s
first, budget hotel chain to trial ‘a-room-atherapy’
using a unique series of ‘ReminiScents’,
Executive Traveller thought it was time to review
its T5 hotel. About 7 million people stay in a Travelodge
annually so this is one budget hotel not to be ignored.
Travelodge T5 is accessible from T5 either by taxi
or the airport hotel shuttle though, one has to
wait for more than 30 minutes in the evening for
the shuttle.
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The
hotel is located within an industrial estate but
on arrival it is quite noticeable that the airport
is one of the busiest hotels serving Heathrow T5
and the reception desk look quite efficient. They
handled all reservations effectively.
The introduction of the specially scented sheets
is designed to evoke happy and comforting memories
for guests, something which was welcoming at the
T5 hotel because most of the guests were very tired
travellers looking for an affordable place to lay
their heads for a night.
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The
most important thing for our visit was not
merely to have a scented pillow to nod off on but
to see if Travelodge offered value-for-money. Travelodge
is clearly not the hotel you will check into if
you are seeking for some serious pampering but for
a budget hotel, it offers value for money. The rooms
are of good size and very clean. All rooms are generously
equipped with tea making facilities, flat screen
television, and almost everything you would expect
to see in a standard hotel except that it does not
supply toiletries. Breakfast comes at a premium
of £7 but there is a consolation price to
look forward to especially as the Breakfast buffet
and selection is very generous. |
Travelodge
Sleep Director, Leigh McCarron says that the hotel
seeks ways to help guests cope from being away from
home and loved ones by giving them a good night’s
sleep. One of such ways is the new ‘ReminiScents’
which have been designed, to evoke comforting memories,
acting as a catalyst to induce relaxation and sleep”
The ‘ReminiScents’ can either be placed
inside a pillowcase or on top of a pillow. The sheets
are free of charge for customers staying at the
following Travelodge trial hotels: Edinburgh Haymarket,
Newcastle Central, Birmingham Fort Dunlop, Nottingham
Central and Heathrow T5. (Guests can also take the
sheets away to use at home, as they will last up
to a week). |
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Guests
at selected Travelodge hotels will be able to choose from
the following exclusive ‘ReminiScents’ free
of charge:
1. The Sea – to evoke memories of holidays. The
sea is the number one scent that Brits would like to be
surrounded by as they drop off to sleep, comforting 45%
by bringing back memories of happy holidays. Also ideal
for those who are used to living by the coast.
2. Freshly Cut Grass – to evoke the scents of summer.
Almost a quarter (21%) wanted to nod off to the smell
of freshly cut grass, reminding them of long, happy summer
days. Also ideal for those who are used to living in the
country.
3. Baby powder – to remind guests of their children.
The ideal comforter for doting parents, with one in five
(18%) choosing to be surrounded by the smell of their
baby when away from home to lull them into slumber
4. Home-baked Apple Pie – to create a home-from-home
experience for guests. Baking and cooking aromas are the
most comforting scents for almost over one in ten (12%)
Britons
5. Chocolate – the ideal pick me up for women. The
scent of chocolate and sugary sweets is the most comforting
smell for 9% of UK women
What
you get in a Travelodge Family Room
In your room
• TV
• Coffee & Tea making equipment
• Sheets
• Towels
Available from reception
• Ironing board & iron
• Hairdryer
• Extra pillows/sheets/towels
Restaurant/Bar
Serves food and drink and can be hired for children’s
parties
Internet available
No room service
Car Parking Service available
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