crime
Travelodge CEO received victim email after hotel sexual assault
A woman who was sexually assaulted in a Travelodge room emailed the company CEO in January 2023 about the incident; Travelodge says the email was handled on the CEO's behalf, admits serious failures and has changed key card policies while launching an independent review.
Apr 1st 2026 · United Kingdom
Insights
- The victim emailed Travelodge's CEO in January 2023 with a detailed complaint marked 'serious complaint'.
- Kyran Smith gained access after telling staff he was the woman's boyfriend and was jailed for seven and a half years.
- Jo Boydell says she only became aware of the assault during Smith's trial in November 2025 and apologised for failures.
- Travelodge staff initially offered the victim a £30 refund, which the victim described as insulting.
- The company has changed key issuance rules to check with someone in the room before issuing a new key card.
- Travelodge has commissioned an independent review led by a senior KC into its handling of the case.
- Nearly 100 MPs signed a letter asking to meet the CEO to discuss the incident and guest safety.