A woman who was sexually assaulted at a Travelodge after a man was given a key card to her room has criticised the hotel chain's chief executive, Jo Boydell, for cancelling a meeting with MPs. More than 20 MPs had requested the meeting to discuss security failures and the 'insulting' £30 refund offered to the victim.
The survivor, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was attacked by Kyran Smith in December 2022. Smith was jailed for seven and a half years in February after being convicted. The woman said she was 'shocked' that Boydell cancelled the meeting, adding that the CEO has a responsibility to answer questions and improve safety.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer wrote to Boydell expressing 'very concerned' about the cancellation and urged the chain to 'seriously engage' with MPs. Boydell apologised and said immediate changes were made to door key policies, but the survivor accused her of 'deflection' regarding claims about deadbolts.
Boydell admitted she was aware of 'other instances' of unwanted room entries and acknowledged the £30 compensation was inadequate. The woman is taking legal action against Travelodge.
