Travelodge Park Royal

I found a live bed bug at 2 AM during our stay at Travelodge Park Royal. I caught it, took high-resolution photos, and showed the physical bug to the night staff. We then had to pack up and change rooms in the middle of the night. With a 6-week-old newborn and a 4-year-old toddler, it was exhausting and distressing for the children. I’m writing this to warn other travellers, especially parents. My wife, toddler, and I are now dealing with itchy bites. Travelodge offered a £32.99 eVoucher as a “fair” resolution, but I want a refund for the service we didn’t receive, not a voucher to stay at another infested hotel. The response afterward felt like gaslighting. Manager Tota was dismissive, and corporate contact Goodness Eruohi refused a refund, saying their “pest control dog” found nothing. A dog’s report days later doesn’t change that I held a live bed bug from their room in my hand. Travelodge is ignoring physical evidence and the safety of families. DO NOT STAY HERE.

We booked two nights for four people and were given rooms 304 and 306. In both, the toilets wouldn’t flush the paper away. The walls were dirty, and room 306 had a hole in the plasterboard. Reception took more than 12 hours to look into the toilet problem, and it still wasn’t fixed in 306. The TV in 304 wouldn’t tune in to anything. The hotel feels very worn, even with its half-hearted attempt at modernising. The carpets are still dirty, the lift is horrid, and there’s only one vending machine for general facilities. We definitely won’t use this hotel again.

Getting help was a nightmare. Check-in came with a 15 GBP fee, and the receptionist took three calls while offering advice on how to help with everything. Wi-Fi was available for 22 GBP, but staff told me to “do it yourself.” Calling the call centre wasn’t any better. I had to ask, “Are you even listening to me?” Service like this is unheard of anywhere else in the world, or the next.

I did eventually get my refund. When I went back, the staff member didn’t have enough cash, so he made a bank transfer instead, which was fine. But his manner wasn’t very friendly, and it left me uncomfortable.