TRAVELODGE, the budget hotel provider, has got together with electronic giant NEC to introduce a state of the art prepay TV box office service called Creditvision
Currently, this is on trial at 19 Travelodge sites across the country. It will halve the cost of hotel films and phone calls.
The service uses a telephone in each hotel room with a swipe card slot attached to the side.
It accepts all major credit and debit cards, and also prepay phonecards which are available from Travelodge receptions.
Any leftover credit on the phonecard can be used from any public phone in the UK or, of course, during a subsequent Travelodge stay.
Once a card has been swiped, users are guided through a series of voice prompts to choose between film, phone and internet services, confirming payment.
If all goes well all 240 Travelodge sites will be equipped by the end of next year.
www.travelodge.co.uk