Travelodge

Sleepy's Story

Hello, and welcome! For those of you who don't know me, I'm Sleepy Bear, and I'd like to tell you how I became the go-to bear at Travelodge.

It all started in the early '50s when I was born near the first Travelodge in San Diego, California. San Diego wasn't so big back then, so I had plenty of space for adventure day and night. I was always looking for a comfortable place to curl up. One night, I happened to curl up outside the Travelodge in a bed of pine needles and the rest is history.

The owners saw me, loved me, and invited me to become the official ambassador bear for Travelodge. A pretty big job for a pretty young bear. But I was up to the task.

Before I knew it, they were making little plush toys of me clad in pajamas and a sleeping cap! These cute and cuddly toys turned out to be a big hit with guests of all ages. Of course, the calls started coming in. The public wanted more of me. So I started to show my face at various community activities across the United States, which turned out to be a fun way to meet my friends and fans.

As time passed and I got a little older, I needed a new, cuddlier look, and the good folks at Travelodge were nice enough to give me a full makeover. I got to flaunt my new threads and do some good while making a few telethon appearances on behalf of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Around that time I also jumped at the chance to be "ambassador of goodwill" to the children of California. This lead to a nationwide campaign that included appearances and merchandise donations at numerous children's hospitals. This left me feeling warm and fuzzy inside and out.

I did some other charitable work, too, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society® as well as Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

Roll the clock forward and I was offered all the honey I could eat to appear in some Travelodge PSAs, where I spoke about the importance of conserving water, the dangers of playing with fire and talking to strangers, and how bullying was bad. These were featured on over 1,100 television stations.

In 2004, for my 50th birthday, I got another makeover. A little "Beartox" in the cheeks, and a nip and a tuck here and there, left me looking fresh and energized for today's traveler. I also got my shot at television superstardom when I became the official spokesbear for all Travelodge campaigns.

And now I'm on Facebook, connecting with travelers everywhere!

Not to blow my own horn, but over the last few decades I've taken this small Western hotel chain and helped it grow into the major force in the North American lodging industry that it is today, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I can't wait for you to stay at a Travelodge soon, so we can plan a fun-filled adventure for you and your family! Until then, join the adventure on facebook.com/Travelodge. See you soon!