Woman Sexually Assaulted by Man Given Hotel Room Key by Staff After He Claimed to Be Her Boyfriend

**Travelodge Under Scrutiny Following Sexual Assault Incident in Maidenhead**

In December 2022, a young woman was sexually assaulted at a Travelodge hotel in Maidenhead, Berkshire, after staff erroneously issued a room key to a man posing as her boyfriend. This troubling incident has now come to light, stirring calls for greater accountability in hotel security measures.

Kyran Smith, 29, approached the hotel’s reception late at night and convinced the staff that he had a relationship with the victim, thus gaining access to her room. Despite a night of socialising at a nearby party, the woman was unaware that Smith would later invade her privacy in such a terrifying manner. Following a trial at Reading Crown Court, in which he was found guilty of trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence and sexual assault, Smith was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison on 23 January 2023, confirmed Thames Valley Police.

In the aftermath of the assault, the victim expressed her shock and confusion over the incident. She recalled waking up to find Smith in her bed, despite believing she had securely locked her door. Such fear and uncertainty were compounded by the hotel staff’s initial response, which she described as “insulting” after they offered her a mere $40 refund prior to issuing an official apology.

Travelodge’s CEO, Jo Boydell, admitted to being unaware of the incident for over three years. When she learned of it, she publicly apologised for both the assault and the inadequate response from the hotel. “I am genuinely sorry that the victim feels dismissed. I apologise for what happened to her and for the way we handled her case,” Boydell stated during an interview with *Good Morning Britain*.

Despite improvements to the establishment’s policy for handling guest security, many concerns remain. The victim pointed out in her interview that a suggestion from Boydell regarding deadbolts on bedroom doors felt like an attempt to deflect responsibility. “Even if there is a deadbolt, the key obviously overrides that because I locked my door,” she asserted.

The CEO committed to reviewing and improving security measures within the chain, stating, “Clearly, something went wrong here, and that needs to be investigated.” Following the incident, Travelodge has implemented changes to its key card policy to prevent future occurrences. They now require explicit permission from guests before issuing any replacement keys, a move intended to enhance the safety of hotel patrons.

In light of this incident, local authorities and even UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have called for significant engagement with hotel management regarding guest safety. Starmer urged Boydell to “seriously engage” with government representatives, particularly after she missed an earlier meeting to discuss the issue.

Boydell’s response to the criticism includes a commitment to ongoing dialogue and further action. “The safety and security of customers in our hotels is extremely important. We want everyone to be safe and feel secure,” she emphasised.

As Travelodge strives to bolster its security protocols, the victim hopes that her experience can highlight deeper issues within the hospitality industry, encouraging other victims to come forward and fostering an environment of accountability and protection.

Travelodge’s recent policy changes suggest a shift toward prioritising guest safety, but the emotional aftermath for the victim remains. She continues to advocate for a more thorough reflection on the circumstances surrounding her assault, believing that better training and protocols could prevent similar incidents in the future.

In conclusion, as Travelodge grapples with the implications of this incident, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of all hotel guests. The hope remains that through these changes, the hospitality industry can build a reputation that puts guest security first, transforming a traumatic experience into a catalyst for positive change.