An independent review has found that Travelodge’s handling of a sexual assault case at one of its hotels was “disgraceful” and that the victim was “fundamentally failed” by the company. The investigation was commissioned following a 2022 incident in Maidenhead, where a woman was assaulted after a man obtained a key card to her hotel room.

The report, led by barrister Paul Greaney KC, criticized Travelodge for lapses in security protocols that allowed unauthorized access to guests’ rooms. It highlighted shortcomings not only within the company but also across the wider hotel industry regarding room security measures.

According to the review, existing procedures for issuing and managing key cards were insufficient to prevent the man from entering the victim’s room, exposing vulnerabilities in standard hotel operation practices. The report underscored that this failure had a profound impact on the victim’s safety and well-being.

The findings prompted calls for improvements in hotel security standards nationwide to better protect guests from similar risks. Travelodge has faced scrutiny over its policies and responses in the aftermath of the incident and the subsequent review.

The independent probe recommends that hotel operators review and strengthen their access control systems and customer safeguarding protocols to prevent recurrence of such cases. It also stresses the importance of clear communication and effective incident management when responding to reports of assault or other crimes on hotel premises.

Travelodge has acknowledged the findings and indicated a commitment to implement changes based on the review’s conclusions. The company has not publicly detailed specific measures but is expected to revise its training, security procedures, and guest support frameworks as a result.

This case sheds light on broader concerns within the hospitality industry about security controls and the treatment of victims of crime, prompting wider discussions about how hotels can provide safer environments for their guests.