Travelodge guests are still at risk, finds review launched after sexual assault
Summary
An independent report found that guests at Travelodge hotels still face safety risks, including room intrusions reported at about one in 10 hotels this summer. The review was launched after a serious sexual assault at a Travelodge in 2022 and highlighted failures in the hotel chain’s security and response to complaints.Key Facts
- A man sexually assaulted a guest at a Travelodge in Maidenhead in 2022 after falsely claiming to be her boyfriend and receiving her room key.
- The victim was offered only a £30 refund, which she found insulting.
- The incident led to an independent review and the resignation of Travelodge’s CEO, Joanna Boydell.
- The report said Travelodge handled the victim’s complaint poorly and focused on ending it quickly and cheaply.
- Nearly 10% of Travelodge hotels reported room intrusions this summer, about 60 hotels in total.
- Travelodge has updated security policies since March but has not consistently applied them across all hotels.
- Recommendations include creating safety policies for violence against women, improving safety for staff working alone, installing CCTV, using body cameras for reception staff, and testing security with mystery shoppers.
- Travelodge’s interim CEO apologized, said progress has been made, and that the company plans to keep improving guest safety and customer support.
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