The budget hotel brand - which is owned and operated by Whitbread - has seen total group sales increased by 1% to £739 million for the quarter, which bosses seen as an encouraging sign despite having been through a "slightly softer" performance lately.

Whitbread said: "While midweek business demand and peak leisure demand remained robust, weekend demand at short-lead was slightly softer, particularly in London, reflecting a return to more normalised levels after what was a very strong performance last year."

Food and beverage sales were 1% lower year on year but the normal booking period seem "positive".

Dominic Paul, chief executive of the hospitality group, said: “Whilst the normal booking pattern means our forward visibility remains limited, our forward booked position is positive and we remain confident in the full-year outlook.

“This reflects a more encouraging trading performance in the UK, our strong commercial programme and increased cost efficiencies, as well as good progress in Germany.”