Travelodge under scrutiny after staff gave room keys to abusers

Travelodge is facing scrutiny following reports that staff handed room keys to domestic abusers, leading to violent assaults on guests. In a December 2022 incident in Maidenhead, Kyran Smith gained access to a woman’s room after telling staff he was her boyfriend. Smith, who was jailed for seven and a half years in February 2026, subsequently attacked the victim and kicked her door off its hinges.

Another victim reported a similar experience at a London location, stating that an attacker gained access to her room by claiming her girlfriend was having a seizure. She described the hotel's response as inadequate, noting that staff offered a different room rather than contacting the police or providing medical assistance.

Travelodge has apologized for these incidents, stating that security policies were not correctly followed at the time. The company has since implemented changes to its door key and room access security policies. Following these events, the company is conducting a full review as more women have come forward with similar allegations of unauthorized room entries.