Lodgings

Much of the comment in Rhuthun/Ruthin town about the coming of Wetherspoon's refers to its likely impact on other pubs (and even cafés). But there will be more to this particular JDW than that. The Rhuthun branch is one of a select number to offer accommodation.

That's quite an interesting development. The last 15 years has seen an explosion in branded, budget accommodation. People who traditionally once opted for local bed & breakfasts have increasingly migrated to chains that offer a predictable standard of accommodation no matter where they stay. People know what they're going to get. Of course, this has been greatly helped by the growth in internet bookings and web-based yield management (rooms that price themselves according to how a business can predict and influence consumer behaviour).

The most prominent of these chains to offer this standard accommodation are the down market Travelodges and the more superior Premier Inns.

Now, extend these principles—a reliable brand bookable online—to a more unique proposition such as Wetherspoon's and you have quite a potent product. After all, given the choice, where would *you* wish to stay… in a plastic Travelodge in some desolate roadside location backing onto a motorway or dual-carriageway; or a building of some character that is actually located somewhere interesting. Easy question, isn't it.

So it may be that the idea of a Rhuthun Wetherspoon hotel (Wether Lodge, as they were once known) may be an attractive proposition for guests who might otherwise by-pass Rhuthun to stay elsewhere. Suddenly, Rhuthun may become more attractive to visitors. Once here, they may yet be tempted to explore the town and even eat and drink outside of Wetherspoon's. It's a thought, isn't it.

The nearest Travelodges to Rhuthun are near Helygain/Halkyn & Northop Hall on the A55; Wrecsam at the by-pass; and Rhuddlan by the large roundabout near the Marsh Warden & by-pass.

The nearest existing Wetherspoon hotel is in Shrewsbury, 45 miles away. Or Wigan, 60 miles distant.