Travelodge failed Maidenhead sex assault victim 'at every stage'

An independent review found that Travelodge failed to protect a guest who was sexually assaulted at their Maidenhead hotel in 2022. The report criticized the company's security policies and handling of the victim's subsequent complaints.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical lapses in corporate safety protocols and the systemic failure to address violence against women in the hospitality industry.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google BBC Reception staff at Travelodge Maidenhead gave Kyran Smith the victim's room key after he falsely claimed to be her boyfriend Alex Meakin and Stuart Rust , South of England 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 said 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".
He found guests were still not as safe as they should be, with room intrusions reported at nearly one-in-10 Travelodge hotels this summer, and no policy in place on violence against women and girls.
Travelodge apologised "unreservedly" to the woman. The review did credit the company with making changes since March.
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