A budget hotel chain has cut the ribbon on its newest offering.

The Travelodge at Rochester Riverside was officially opened today.

The hotel, which has been welcoming guests since September, is situated on the £419 million riverside development and next to the town's train station.

Developers Countryside and Hyde contributed £7m to build the 81-bed hotel. The opening has generated 25 new jobs.

It is the 14th Travelodge to open in Kent.

Hotel manager Sharn Urand began working with the company 12 years ago as a housekeeper.

She said: “I never imagined when I started with Travelodge as a house keeper that one day I would be managing my very own brand new hotel. It’s a dream come true.”

“I am very proud to have built a fantastic team who are as passionate as me about delivering great customer service and going the extra mile.

"I am looking forward to developing my team members and giving them the same opportunities that I was given.

“Our new hotel has got off to a flying start and we are gearing up for a very busy festive season, especially as we going to be the spare room provider for many visiting family and friends this Christmas and the Dickensian Festival.”

Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett (Con), added: “I am really pleased the Travelodge hotel at Rochester Riverside is now open to the public.

"The hotel is in a fantastic location - it’s on Medway’s flagship housing development next to the River Medway and is a stone’s throw away from historic Rochester High Street.

"The hotel is walking distance to a castle, cathedral and museums, as well as dozens of restaurants, bars and shops to enjoy.

"The Rochester Travelodge is also next to the railway station, which is connected to the high speed line, taking commuters into London in just 34 minutes."

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