As promotional gimmicks go it's a little contrived, but you have give them full marks for imagination: the Travelodge in Covent Garden is offering couples called Mary and Joseph a free night's stay over the Christmas period.
According to the report there is some professional guilt involved here, as Travelodge bosses are apparently "trying to make up for the hotel industry not having any rooms left on Christmas Eve all those years ago".
Sandy Leckie, manager of the hotel is quoted as saying, "We are more than happy to welcome any Mary and Joseph couples into our hotel," before going on to make a few terrible 'dad jokes' about the nativity: "It's definitely more comfortable than a stable. I just hope they don't bring their donkey."
If you are thinking of taking up Travelodge on their offer, be warned that just wearing a tea towel on your head and humming the tune to Little Donkey isn't going to cut it. Couples will be asked to "prove their identities", although there's no need for 'stars of wonder' or an immaculate conception...a passport should do.
