A Manchester hotel turned away two homeless men despite their rooms already being paid for, with temperatures dropping to -6C. The homeless charity Two Brews had booked two rooms at the Holiday Inn on Oxford Road for the men on Monday night.
Charity worker Amanda Thompson described the incident as "complete discrimination on appearance" and "disgusting". Staff at the hotel reportedly told the men: "I know that you’re from the street and the hotel doesn’t allow it." The booking, worth £200, had been made using charity donations and Thompson's own money.
The incident occurred as an amber cold weather health alert was in place across the country, with the UK Health Security Agency warning of an increased risk of deaths. It also came days after another homeless man was found dead in Manchester on Boxing Day after spending the night in freezing conditions.
After being turned away, the men were taken to a nearby Travelodge, which Thompson said was "so helpful" and accommodated six or seven homeless people that night, along with four dogs. A spokesperson for Holiday Inn apologised and said the hotel would strengthen staff training, adding: "This incident is not in keeping with our policy of welcoming all and should have been handled differently."
