As you can see below, Travelodge is already in financial difficulties and they are trying to make money from any means possible...even if it is fraudulent! In February 2012, DIC ( Dubai International Capital) had to prepare a bailout package due to a significant debt of £478 million that was added to Travelodge's balance sheet following its purchase, and despite significant earnings since 2006, these could not cover the debt repayments and the company recorded a debt of £517m in 2011.[10] The company undertook a financial restructure during April 2012 with ownership passing to New York-based hedge funds Goldentree Asset Management and Avenue Capital Group, as well as Goldman Sachs.[11] On 17 August 2012 Travelodge UK confirmed[12] the financial restructuring would be through a company voluntary arrangement which would include; At least £75m of new money being injected into the Company £55m being invested into a major refurbishment programme across the estate covering over 11,000 rooms and 175 hotels. The refurbishment programme will commence in early 2013 and continue through to summer 2014 Bank debt of £235m will be written off and £71m repaid, reducing total bank debt from £635m to £329m. However, Travelodge also stated that it was no longer viable to operate 49 hotels (8% of the estate), for which the company would now seek new operators.

My daughter and her boyfriend were accused of smoking in a Travelodge on the 24 September 12. I received a claim for £150 because it was me who had booked the room. When I told my daughter I was just going to pay the fine because of the threat of going to court she pleaded with me not to because they had done nothing wrong, and when my daughter does this I know for sure that she's telling the truth. I have received a few letters since from UKCRS threatening me with a court summons so I'm just waiting for the letter to arrive. I have notified the newspapers and citizens advice bureau about this problem with Travelodge and received heartwarming news that the newspaper was prepared to help me. They rang me asking if I'd mind having my picture taken and then told me they were going to contact Travelodge. Never heard anything back though.....YET! I'll keep you's posted if anything happens because I'm determined that Travelodge are not allowed to continue with this malpractice!

Already had this info frog....thanks anyways!

Have not payed the claim and don't intend to either. The solicitor I'm going to ring is a free service provided by the company I work for so I've got nothing to lose by ringing them. I'll let you guy's know what was said tomorrow!

I just received a letter from Travelodge on Wednesday for the same thing(£150). I'm pretty sure it's a money making exercise to rip off their clients. The amount of people that are saying they are not going to book there again is rising fast....me for one will not go back. They must be losing a fortune, so by doing this to clients is counterproductive. Going to phone a solicitor in the morning. I'd do it now but am looking after littleuns!