Travelodge has opened its first hotel in Poole, creating 31 jobs.
The Poole Travelodge is the group’s largest property in Dorset, which now has six Travelodge hotels.
The new-build hotel is the company’s 534th hotel and the first of six new hotels planned for Dorset, which in total will create 200 jobs.
The 125-room property, with Bar Café and free on-site car parking is located in the newly developed Lifeboat Quay area, directly opposite Poole train station.
The hotel represents a property investment of £9.5 million for the landlord and has created 31 new jobs within the community.
Travelodge property director Tony O’ Brien said: "The Dorset economy is growing at pace and our new hotel in central Poole adds a great value option for visiting business and leisure travellers.
"We now operate six hotels across Dorset but with increasing visitors numbers to the county there is still a shortage of good quality accommodation at a great value price.
"Therefore, to meet this growing consumer demand, we are looking for new hotel sites inBournemouth, Dorchester, Shaftesbury, Swanage and Weymouth. These hotel openings could create around 200 new jobs."
Poole Travelodge is being managed by Dan Stooks, who was born and raised in Bournemouth.
He said: "This is great news for the local economy, as our research shows that annually Travelodge customers will spend over £2 million with local businesses during their stay with us."
Pictured are, from left, Travelodge development director Tony O’Brien, Mayor of Poole Xena Dion and hotel manager Dan Stooks.
