Summary
Travelodge's CEO Jo Boydell received an email from a sexual assault victim regarding an incident where the attacker gained access to her hotel room using a key card. Boydell claimed she only learned about the assault during the attacker's trial, despite the victim emailing shortly after the event. Following the incident, Travelodge has changed its security policies and is conducting an independent review.
Key Facts
- Travelodge CEO Jo Boydell was emailed by a sexual assault victim shortly after the incident in December 2022.
- The assault occurred when Kyran Smith entered the victim's room after misleading hotel staff that he was her boyfriend.
- Smith was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in jail for the assault.
- Boydell initially claimed she became aware of the incident during Smith's trial in November 2025.
- The victim stated in an email that she was in shock and detailed what happened to her.
- Travelodge has since reviewed and changed its policies for room security and key card issuance.
- An independent review of the incident and the company's handling of it is underway.
- Nearly 100 MPs and the prime minister have asked Boydell to discuss the incident and improve company safety.
