Homeless men with valid booking refused entry to Holiday Inn Express

Two men were told they could not stay in their pre-booked rooms at a city centre hotel after being identified as homeless on a night when temperatures had plunged to -6 degrees.

Despite the rooms being paid for by a charity, the men were told by staff at the Holiday Inn Express on Oxford Road, Manchester, it doesn’t “allow” homeless people to stay in the property.

The rooms had been booked by charity, Two Brews, but despite a volunteer accompanying the men to the hotel, the group where told: “The hotel won’t allow them, it’s the company’s policy”.

A Holiday Inn Express Manchester spokesperson has since apologised – saying the incident was “not in keeping with our policy of welcoming all”.

“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,” they added.

The spokesperson said the hotel was “taking steps internally to strengthen our training”.

The incident, which was filmed by a charity volunteer and shared on social media, happened on Monday evening.

The men were later able to check-in to a Travelodge hotel in Moss Side.

In the footage, the men can be heard telling the receptionist that “it is -6 degrees outside” adding “they just want to get their heads down”.

The staff member told the men it was “company policy” and not “his personal views”.

“I’m not going to lie to you, I won’t be able to check you in. Full truth and transparency I know you are from the street and the hotel won’t allow it,” he added.