Travelodge

CALGARY, ALBERTA--Expansion of the Travelodge and Thriftlodge brands continues as four new properties join the national chain. Travelodge, the third largest mid-market lodging brand in Canada offers guests well- appointed rooms with standard free amenities. Thriftlodge, the economy flag of the Travelodge family Thriftlodge offers exceptional guest service, clean, comfortable rooms and great rates.

Today, Travelodge Canada is pleased to welcome these four new locations: Thriftlodge Sussex (New Brunswick) Thriftlodge Estevan (Saskatchewan), Travelodge Winnipeg East (Manitoba) and Travelodge Fernie (British Columbia).

"We launched an aggressive expansion campaign for our Travelodge and Thriftlodge brands last spring, and the success of our development effort has been remarkable", says Dorothy Dowling, President and COO of Travelodge Canada. "Both Travelodge and Thriftlodge are obviously filling a need in the market for property owners and for the travelling public."

Thriftlodge Sussex (New Brunswick) opened in December 2001. Owned and managed by George Perry, this 36-room property is the first Thriftlodge location to open in Atlantic Canada, and offers guests an on-site restaurant, coffee shop and meeting room.

(Phone: 506-433-2557)

Thriftlodge Estevan (Saskatchewan) has 37 guests rooms, an on-site restaurant, pub and coffee shop. Owned and managed by Peter Sereggela, this property opened in December 2001. (Phone: 306-634-4022)

Travelodge Winnipeg East (Manitoba) opened in November 2001 and is owned by Meril Rivard and managed by Jacques Arnol. This property features 75 guest rooms and Travelodge standard free amenities. Guests will appreciate the on-site restaurant, lounge, meeting rooms, sauna, swimming pool and whirlpool. (Phone: 204-255-6000)

Travelodge Fernie (British Columbia) will open in March 2002. This 37-room property is owned by Bhamra Enterprises and managed by Richie Bhamra. Property features include a swimming pool, sauna, whirlpool, attached Subway restaurant and Travelodge standard free amenities. (Phone: 250-423-4438)

Travelodge and Thriftlodge expansion is expected to continue throughout 2002 and Dowling anticipates over 150 properties under the Travelodge Canada franchise by the end of 2002. All members of the Travelodge and Thriftlodge family benefit from the sales, marketing and operational support of the national brand.

Travelodge Canada administers the Master License for Travelodge and Thriftlodge in Canada. Travelodge Canada Corp. is a subsidiary of Royal Host Corp. based in Calgary, Alberta.

Royal Host Real Estate Investment Trust owns 36 hotels, manages 78 properties and franchises over 100 locations for more than 16, 000 guestrooms in the mid-market to upscale segments. Royal Host also owns the Travelodge Master Franchise in Canada, provides hotel and resort management services for the portfolio and to third party properties, markets vacation intervals in hotels and resorts, and operates a facility for customers to trade and bank prepaid vacation weeks. Royal Host units are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (RYL.UN).

Susan Strain
(403) 259-9869