LONDON— Budget hotel chain Travelodge is to add pre-pay TV and telephones in a move that could push it towards the top end of the budget market. The Compass-owned group, which is up for sale, has just inked a deal with communications company NEC to install the services across its 227 U.K. hotels. The plan, which is being tested at 19 Travelodges, allows guests to pay in advance for films and telephone calls using a swipe or credit card. The introduction of the new service could push Travelodge to the top end of the budget hotel sector from its current mid-market position. Hotels such as Express by Holiday Inn, Sleep Inn and Days Inn, which all offer Sky or cable television, are considered to be at the top end of the market. Travelodge said it would not increase its room rate because of the new service. SOURCE: caterer.com
