Travelodge has apologised for a “Free Palestine” message that appeared on television screens in the rooms of guests staying at its London Manor House hotel, following representations from UK Lawyers for Israel (UKLFI) and others.

In a letter to UKLFI, Travelodge Chief Executive Jo Boydell described the message as an “antisemitic message” and said the company had launched an immediate investigation into how it appeared on the hotel’s television system. Travelodge also confirmed that it had reported the matter to the police and apologised directly to the affected customer and to the wider Jewish community.

The incident occurred on 3 June 2026 at the Travelodge London Manor House hotel in north London. According to reports on social media, a visibly Jewish guest switched on the television in his room and was greeted by a message reading “Welcome Guest” alongside the slogan “Free Palestine”. A friend staying in another room reportedly received the same message. UKLFI wrote to Travelodge raising concerns that the display could constitute unlawful harassment under the Equality Act 2010.

In its letter, UKLFI argued that displaying the slogan to hotel guests was likely to create a hostile, offensive and intimidating environment for many Jewish, Israeli or Zionist customers and requested that Travelodge investigate the matter and take steps to prevent any recurrence.

Responding on 15 June 2026, Ms Boydell wrote:

“We are taking the report of an antisemitic message that appeared on the TV screen in a room in one of our hotels on the afternoon of 3 June with the utmost seriousness.”

She added that Travelodge had “immediately launched a comprehensive internal investigation” and had formally reported the matter to the police, whose enquiries remain ongoing.

Travelodge also acknowledged UKLFI’s observations regarding the Equality Act 2010 and stated that it remained committed to providing a “safe, inclusive, and non-discriminatory environment” for customers and staff. The company further stated that there was “absolutely no place in our business or in wider society for antisemitism or discrimination of any kind”.

A spokesperson for UK Lawyers for Israel, commented:

“Travelodge’s recognition that this was an antisemitic message and its prompt apology are welcome. Jewish guests should be able to stay in hotels without being confronted by political slogans that many will reasonably regard as hostile or intimidating. We are pleased that Travelodge has taken this matter seriously, reported it to the police and launched a full investigation. We hope that appropriate action will be taken against those responsible and that effective safeguards will be put in place to ensure that nothing similar can happen again.”