Amongst those who travel and don’t get to stay in 5 star hotels, this debate has been raging for quite some time.
In recent years, the two hotel chains have both expanded massively (600 Premier Inn’s and 470 Travelodge’s), perhaps timing their expansions perfectly as the recession hit and both family and business budgets were squeezed. So with this in mind…
Which is better – Travelodge or Premier Inn?
To answer this, the Daily Mail sent Fred Mawer to two of the newer hotels from each chain in the regenerated city of Cardiff.
From the way the article is written, you do get the impression that Fred Mawer is a little more used to staying in the higher budget hotels, but he does seem to hit on how after years of direct competition, the two hotel chains may be settling more into their respective niches.
For those who haven’t stayed in either for some time, we can assure you that the rooms usually look a like nicer than the dull pictures in his article.
The essentials on Travelodge vs Premier Inn:
Travelodge have realised that many business travellers especially automatically bring some of the basics such as shampoo so Travelodge have tended to remove some of these little extras which most people took home if they didn’t use them anyway.
The idea was they could reduce costs and thus offer cheaper rooms, which on inspection it does seem they often do, although if you really want cheaper then book at least a week in advance or 3 weeks for the really cheap rooms.
Premier Inn kept all these extras and have slightly more positioned themselves as the “Premier budget hotel” which means you still get the shampoos, Freeview TV, a hair-dryer, larger and possibly more comfy beds and their so called “Good Night Guarantee”.
They have also tried to lure in the family market with rooms that sleep 2 + 2, free breakfast for kids under 16, kids entertainment packs and there’s a restaurant at every Premier Inn.
The promise that all Premier Inn rooms are refurbished every 3 years should also put pay to many of the hotel horror stories we all hear.
Conclusion:
- For generally the cheapest rooms out there then we’d recommend trying a Travelodge.
- If you want to keep some of the comforts and don’t mind paying a little more then a Premier Inn might be a good bet.
Oh and we’re pretty sure you won’t be disturbed by either Lenny Henry or the bears from Travelodge in whichever hotel chain you chose.
Night night…
4 Comments
Neither – always try and find an Innkeepers Lodge… far superior and you get a free continental breakfast thrown in. My favourite is the Duck In (Aylesbury East) in Aston Clinton :)
I prefer Premier Inns because their staff are friendlier and will always go the extra mile to help you, whereas in my experience the Travelodge staff aren’t as well-trained and supported and this comes across in a less welcoming attitude.
It’s got to be Premier Inn all the way! I recently booked a night in Newcastle, thinking I was just getting ‘Travelodge’ accommodation, but was very pleasantly surprised. The service was fantastic, the food was great and everything was thought of, especially for the lone female guest. Would always book with Premier Inn from now on – it’s worth the extra few quid.
Premier Inn by many a country and city mile! Almost consistently does what it says on the tin – a good night’s sleep at reasonable prices. From my experience Travelodge has gone downmarket without providing such good value for money.