Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Ever lived 22 years in a motel??



For David and Jean Davidson, it is home.

They arrived in 1985, and enjoyed it so much that they never left.

"We have everything we need here - and the staff are like family now. We only have to walk across the car park for meals.

"There is just no reason why we'd want to go home."

The couple's love affair with the Travelodge began 22 years ago when they stopped in Newark, Nottinghamshire, during a visit to see a sick aunt.

When she died four months later they packed their bags, locked up their one-bedroom flat in Sheffield and moved into the roadside hotel.

In 1997, they decided it was time for a change.

Mrs Davidson, 70, who is wheelchair-bound, said yesterday: "I really like living here - it's so convenient. Our room is on the ground floor so there are no stairs or lifts to deal with.

"We don't get hit with huge heating bills over the winter and it's safer than a lot of places these days.

"For us it's a better and cheaper option than an old people's home and we're well looked after."

The couple have spent no less than £97,000 on their hotel costs over the course of 22 years — a sum which could have bought them a two bedroom terrace home in the Lincolnshire area.

The couple, who have a 54-year-old son, now have their own housekeeper and give and receive Christmas, birthday and anniversary presents from staff.

“We know Travelodge has really loyal customers throughout the UK but the Davidson’s are unique. They have made a Travelodge their home. To recognise their remarkable loyalty, we are going to rename their room from number one to ‘The Davidson’s Suite’ and mount a plaque in reception.”

Read it on Daily Mail or the Times

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