MPs Demand Meeting with Travelodge CEO Following Sexual Assault Case

More than 20 Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for an urgent meeting with Jo Boydell, the CEO of Travelodge, after a serious incident involving a sexual assault at the hotel chain's Maidenhead location. The case centers around Kyran Smith, 29, who was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting a woman after a party in December 2022. Smith gained access to the victim's room by deceitfully obtaining her room number and a key card from hotel staff, claiming to be her boyfriend.

The MPs expressed significant concern regarding the security protocols at Travelodge, particularly how Smith was able to acquire the victim's room information. In a letter addressed to Boydell, the MPs highlighted the “deeply concerning” nature of the incident and questioned the adequacy of the hotel’s guest safety measures. They criticized the hotel’s response, specifically the offer of a £30 refund to the victim, which they deemed “insulting.” The letter, signed by Labour MPs including John McDonnell, Matt Bishop, and Jen Craft, emphasized the fundamental duty of care hotels have towards their guests, especially women traveling alone.

In response to the incident and the MPs' concerns, Travelodge issued an apology to the victim for the handling of the situation. A spokesperson stated that the hotel chain follows industry-standard security procedures, which were adhered to at the time of the incident. However, they acknowledged the need for a comprehensive review of their room security policies to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The spokesperson confirmed that Boydell would respond to the MPs' request for a meeting.

Critics, including the MPs involved, argue that the current policies at Travelodge do not provide adequate safeguards for guests. They have raised questions about the effectiveness of the hotel’s security measures and the appropriateness of the compensation offered to the victim. The MPs' letter underscores the necessity for hotels to ensure the safety and privacy of their guests, particularly vulnerable individuals.

The upcoming meeting between Travelodge's CEO and the MPs aims to address the security failures that led to the assault and to discuss the steps the hotel chain will take to enhance its safety protocols. The incident has sparked a broader conversation about hotel security practices and the responsibilities of hospitality providers to protect their guests.

• “The details that have emerged regarding how access to the victim’s room was granted raise serious questions about guest safety, hotel security procedures and the adequacy of the response from Travelodge.” — John McDonnell, MP

• “It adds: “Hotels have a fundamental duty of care to the people who stay in them.” — Labour MPs' letter

• “A spokesperson said: “We want to apologise to the victim for the way this incident has been handled.” — Travelodge spokesperson