Reed Travel Features
LAKE BUENA VISTA -- Sleepy Bear's Den, Travelodge Hotels' new
guest room concept for families, was launched at the 325-room
Travelodge Hotel at Walt Disney World Village.
The room, which incorporates the chain's Sleepy Bear mascot as a
theme, is being tested in 12 North American cities.
Once the test is completed, or by May, Travelodge expects to
extend the program to its 470 properties, but hotels in resort
areas are likely to be the major participants.
Participating hotels would convert up to 5% of their inventory
to Sleepy Bear's Dens under the program. The rooms' modular design
makes reconversion to a standard room during off-peak periods
easier, the chain's Parsippany, N.J.-based corporate office
said.
Two guest rooms at the Lake Buena Vista property now feature a
Sleepy Bear theme, with special bedspreads, curtains and a
custom-designed children's chair.
Other characteristics entail an in-room videocassette recorder
with a library of children's videos available at the property's
front desk; a small refrigerator; Sleepy Bear posters; Sleepy Bear
drinking cups, and a free Sleepy Bear plush toy (a $5 value) for
children to take home.
"The Sleepy Bear's Den truly sets us apart from the
competition," Robert Zapletal, Travelodge's president and chief
operating officer, said during ceremonies here.
The Sleepy Bear's rooms at the Lake Buena Vista hotel are priced
from $119 a night, double, through April 7, and $119, Dec. 21 to
31; $109, from April 8 to June 14; $119, June 15 to Aug. 25; $109,
Aug. 26 to Dec. 20.
Other properties participating in the test are in San Diego; Los
Angeles; Monterey and Anaheim, Calif.; Seattle; San Antonio;
Toronto; Edmonton, Alberta; Cambridge, Ohio, and Ogden, Utah.
For additional information or to make reservations, call (800)
578-7878.