MPs demand to meet Travelodge CEO over Maidenhead sexual assault case

"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. Smith had managed to get the victim's room number and a keycard from reception staff at the Maidenhead branch of Travelodge by lying to staff, telling them that he was the victim's boyfriend."

"In a letter to Boydell, the MPs said they were concerned that reception staff at the branch had given Smith a key card to her room. The woman claimed staff told her that Smith, who was known to her, had passed their security checks by providing her name. Travelodge later offered the woman a £30 refund, which it has since apologised for, saying the offer was inappropriate under the circumstances."

"The letter from MPs wanted to discuss how Travelodge made the refund decision, what internal review has taken place after the assault, and how it had strengthened security procedures. The hotel chain added it was reviewing its room security processes following the incident that raised deep concerns about guest safety and security protocols."

More than 20 MPs have called for an urgent meeting with Travelodge's CEO following a serious security breach at the Maidenhead branch. Kyran Smith, 29, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years in February after sexually assaulting a woman in December 2022. Smith obtained the victim's room number and a key card from reception staff by falsely claiming to be her boyfriend. The hotel subsequently offered the victim a £30 refund, which MPs and peers deemed insulting and inappropriate. The incident raises critical concerns about guest safety, hotel security procedures, and Travelodge's response. MPs seek discussion on the refund decision, internal reviews conducted, and strengthened security measures implemented by the hotel chain.

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