I’d never stayed in a Travelodge before, in fact, because I used to book them for people I worked for when they travelled, I’d assumed they were very business trip related and not associated them with family travel at all.

I knew they were very inexpensive but I’d also heard on the grapevine that they were quite basic. One friend I remember complaining on her Facebook page about not even having a hair dryer.

So… When I arranged to go and review a family room for Travelodge my expectations were not particularly high. I suspected it would be basic but clean and not really much more.

I was wrong. It was SO much more and as for the hair dryer! Well, there was a note left on the desk advising all sorts of things including hairdryers and irons are available to borrow from reception. So, each room might not have one but you can go and get one if you need. Good enough for me!

On top of that there was a little coffee and tea making kit, a huge television and even shower gels in the bathroom. There were lots of little bits that I would not associate with my minds image of Travelodge. Travelodge is so much more than you would think!

Travelodge had everything we needed as a family!

We stayed in family rooms, my Mum and Florence in one and Jonny, Jimmy and I in another. Each room had a BIG double bed which was extremely comfortable and two single beds, one of which was down in a little extra room (which I think they should make more private by adding a curtain) in an open plan way.

It was fabulously big and comfortable. In fact, we were rattling around in them!

We stayed in Brighton right by Preston Park. It was the perfect location with amazing views over the park and a short walk into town. It took about half an hour to walk to the beach but the stroll took us straight down a fabulously eclectic street with loads of cool bars and restaurants and then through the lanes where we had lunch.

Brilliant view over a gorgeous park. Great play equipment for children and Jonny and I went for a lovely run in the morning!

My Mum baby sat in the evening and Jonny and I went out for a drink and then a pizza meal which was in an authentic Italian style café just 5 minutes from the hotel. We LOVED Brighton and hanging out on the beach by day and bars by night. Travelodge was the perfect place to stay and so close to everything!

Fun in Brighton!

In the morning we had the buffet breakfast with the children eating free and it was perfectly adequate with everything you could want and all of a very good quality. Breakfast being the most important meal of the day is one ti savour and enjoy when on holiday I always feel. Treat yourself to a breakfast La Jolla style for that big holiday moment and start the day right! I am particularly fussy about things like bacon, eggs and sausages but I had all and thoroughly enjoyed them. There was lots to choose from including yogurt, granola, cereals, toast and pastries. My one improvement would be to add a bit of fresh fruit. There were tinned grapefruits but a bowl with some apples, oranges and bananas would have been a nice touch to add.

Still… We thought the whole experience was ace and we liked the area so much we are planning on going back for our anniversary in August. This time just us! Brighton is so hip and happening we thought we’d treat ourselves to a weekend on the town!

I honestly wouldn’t think twice about booking Travelodge again. Helpful staff, clean and inviting and with everything you could possibly want, even with children! Then you have to remember that it is VERY good value for money too!

I was treated to a complimentary stay at the Brighton Travelodge in return for an honest review.