Holiday Inn has been accused of “disgusting” treatment after two homeless men were turned away in freezing temperatures despite a charity having pre-booked a room.
Calumn Donaghey and another man were denied entry to the hotel on Oxford Road in Manchester on Monday evening as it did not “allow” homeless people to stay.
This was despite their two rooms having been paid for by charity Two Brews, which helps provide food and warm essentials to rough sleepers.
In a video circulating on social media, a member of Holiday Inn staff could be heard saying: “Guys I’m not going to lie you, I’m not going to be able to check you in.
“Full truth and transparency, I know that you are from the street and the hotel doesn’t allow it.”
Mr Donaghey, who has been homeless for eight years, said the way he was treated by the hotel was “disgusting”.
“It made me feel inadequate,” he told the BBC.
“I didn’t feel good enough for that hotel. As a homeless person, I was made to feel embarrassed.”
The 30-year-old added that it had been “quite scary” sleeping on the streets in the low temperatures and has found himself “crying sometimes” because he has been so cold.
Mr Donaghey said his treatment by the hotel was ‘disgusting’ (stock photo)
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After being turned away from the Holiday Inn Express, Two Brews made a second booking at a nearby Travelodge where the pair were able to stay, the BBC reports.
In a post to social media, the homelessness support charity said: “Thank you everyone for your continued support, we will always make sure we can support the homeless community where possible.”
Holiday Inn Express has apologised to the two men and said it is taking steps to “strengthen” staff training.
A spokesman for the hotel chain said: “After speaking with team members, we recognise that this incident is not in keeping with our policy of welcoming all and should have been handled differently.
The incident occurred as the UK battles snow and high winds following Storm Goretti
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“We sincerely apologise to the guests affected and are taking steps internally to strengthen our training.”
The incident occurred as temperatures plummeted to around -6C in Manchester.
In London, emergency accommodation has been opened for those sleeping rough as the cold weather continues following Storm Goretti.
The storm brought winds of almost 100mph in some parts of the countries this week after forecasters issued a rare red warning for “dangerous, stormy” winds in the South West.
The Cabinet Office issued emergency alerts containing guidance on how to stay safe amid “dangerous” weather to around half a million people in the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall on Thursday.
Yellow warnings for snow and ice remain in place until Sunday and the Met Office warned Saturday morning will have a “very cold start” with icy stretches for many.
Forecasters also warned that the combination of melting snow and rain will increase the flood risk for some in the coming days.
Rail services across England, Wales and Scotland may be affected until Sunday, National Rail said.