Travelodge Failed Sex Assault Victim "At Every Stage," Review Finds
An independent review found the hotel chain's security policies were inadequate at the time of a 2022 attack, leaving guests vulnerable.
A woman who was sexually assaulted by a man given a key to her hotel room was "fundamentally failed" by Travelodge "at every stage," an independent review has found. Barrister Paul Greaney KC stated that the chain's security policies at the time of the attack at its Maidenhead hotel in December 2022 were "not fit for the purpose of keeping guests safe."
The review indicated that guests remain at risk, with room intrusions reported at nearly one in 10 Travelodge hotels during the summer. Furthermore, the chain lacked a specific policy addressing violence against women and girls.
Travelodge has issued an "unreserved" apology to the victim. The review did acknowledge that the company has implemented changes since March.
Kyran Smith, the assailant who obtained the key by falsely claiming to be the woman's boyfriend, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison in January. The review determined that Smith was given the key less than three minutes after approaching the reception desk by a receptionist who had not received any training in key security protocols.
The independent review was commissioned after the victim publicly shared her experience following the assault at the Maidenhead hotel.