Marlow’s first ever Travelodge was opened to the public on June 26 in a very lavish ceremony.

People from all over the town attended the Globe Business Park hotel which saw Marlow’s mayor Richard Collins along with members of the hotel’s staff, officially reveal the building in a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The swanky Travelodge PLUS is the eighth Travelodge to be built in Buckinghamshire and is the company’s 584th instalment worldwide.

Travelodge’s UK Development Director Tony O’Brien said: “We have been trading in Buckinghamshire for 21 years and we are delighted to mark this milestone by bringing our new budget chic Travelodge PLUS hotel concept to Marlow.

“Our new hotel format is designed around the needs of the budget traveller who wants that little bit more style and choice whilst staying true to our mission to offer great value.

“As we look to the future, Buckinghamshire remains a key potential development area for us.

“The local economy is growing at pace with increasing visitor numbers, however there is still a shortage of good quality accommodation at a great value price.

“Therefore, to meet this growing consumer demand we are actively searching for hotel sites in Amersham, Chesham and Gerrards Cross.

“Collectively this expansion programme would represent an investment of approximately £30 million for third party investors and would create 70 new jobs.”

The hotel boasts top of the range bedrooms which includes the Travelodge’s brand-new ‘SuperRoom’.

These bedrooms contain Hansgrohe Raindance showers, coffee machines, irons, desks for one to complete work, multiple USB ports along with mini-chiller cabinets and king-size beds.

Cllr Steve Broadbent, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration at Wycombe District Council, said: “We have worked closely with the Travelodge team to ensure their brand could fit our site and help us support and grow our local community and provide job opportunities for local residents. We are delighted to now welcome them to Marlow.”

The opening ceremony also celebrated the success of Travelodge’s manager Sophie Gray.

She joined Windsor Central Travelodge in 2009 as a member of the kitchen team and she revealed her joy at Marlow’s brand new hotel.

Sophie said: “I could not imagine a more perfect gift to celebrate my tenth Travelodge anniversary.

“Being given the keys for our first hotel in Marlow which is a Travelodge PLUS is a double bonus and I feel very privileged to be managing this fantastic hotel.

“I am also very proud to have built a fantastic team who are as passionate as me about delivering great customer service.

“It is going to be such a joy to develop my team members to become hotel managers of the future; just like the opportunity I was given.

“Looking ahead, business on the books looks very encouraging and we are gearing up for a busy summer season, as our guests love the new Travelodge PLUS concept.”