HOTEL giant Travelodge wants to open five new branches in Dorset.

The firm wants to add another 20,000 bedrooms to its portfolio across the UK by the end of 2025.

Travelodge has set this target for new hotels to be built every year, despite 2020 having a severe impact on the hospitality industry.

Of these new hotels there are five locations listed in Dorset where the firm wants to open by the end of 2025.

According to Travelodge, here are the locations they want to move to:

• Blandford Forum

• Dorchester

• Shaftesbury

• Swanage

• Weymouth

A spokesman for Travelodge said: “In order to afford these, we actively encourage developers to incorporate the hotel as part of a mixed-use scheme, above, alongside or below any other appropriate user.

“Town and city centre locations are our strong preference and, where overnight car parking is available within an easy and safe walk of the hotel, we are prepared to accept no car parking.

“In edge of town and suburban locations, prominent and easily accessible sites are a requirement, with a good on-site parking ratio.

“Major transport interchanges and prominent A-Road locations will also be considered, but will usually need a complimentary breakfast and evening food offer to be located nearby.”