Guide Note

Travelodge is a chain of hotels founded in 1939 by Scott King. The first motel was built in San Diego, California in 1940.

Travelodge was designed to be a no frills brand, targeted at families with children. Travelodge's first motels were all situated in Southern California. The chain's corporate headquarters were located in El Cajon, California.

Travelodge's amenities were simple but those that provide lots of value to traveling families, free color TV and phones, swimming pools, coffee pots, carpet and comfortable beds. The company's other focus was to locate properties in or near the center of their respective towns, so that they would be convenient to restaurants, theaters, points of interest and shopping.

Travelodge in now a brand of Wyndham Worldwide, who franchises the Travelodge brand domestically and internationally.

Some Travelodge properties are 100% smoke free, not just your room but all of the common areas as well. Additionally there are more then 250 properties that are "pet friendly." Pet policies vary greatly so be sure to check when making reservations. Travelodge participates in the world's largest travel reward program, Wyndham's TripRewards.

Travelodge's mascot is a bear called "Sleepy Bear" whose is dressed in a nightshirt, slippers and nightcap. Travelodge has recently begun offering light continental breakfasts called "Bear Bites" and in keeping with their bear mascot theme they have developed a milk and honey bathroom product line.

Today's Travelodge is an upper-economy brand catering to families that are active and outdoor oriented.

Fast Facts

1. Founder: Scott King
2. Founded: 1939
3. Travelodge Hotels, Inc.
4. President: Ken Greene
5. Parent Company: Wyndham Worldwide
6. Headquarters: Parsippany, N.J.

Time Line

• 1939: Travelodge Inc. is founded
• 1940: First motel opens in San Diego, CA
• 1945: First economy lodging corp.
• 1964: First wheel chair accessible rooms
• 1997: CUC & HFS (Travelodge a brand of HFS) merger forming Cendant
• 2003: Tripreward program created as loyalty program
• 2006: Cendant rolls over their hospitality division to form Wyndham Worldwide