‘I am disgusted and shocked’: York man says rats invaded his quarantine hotel room – twice

A York man quarantining in a London hotel says he has had to move room twice after rats invaded.

Now the man has contacted his MP – and she is demanding safety measures are put in as a matter of urgency.

The man, known only as Anthony, has been quarantining in line with government guidelines since a flight into the UK on 24 July.

Since staying at the Mercure London Heathrow Hotel, he said he had to move rooms twice due to rats being in his room. Last night as he was moving, other guests were moving too ‘due to rats in their rooms’, and staff said there was an infestation of rats at the hotel.

Anthony said: “I am disgusted and shocked that such a health and safety hazard was allowed to take place in a government quarantine hotel which is costing me £1,750.

“I feel sick knowing rats have been in my room while I’ve been in here. If this was any normal hotel the customer would be offered a full immediate refund.

“No one should have to pay £1,750 to stay in a sub standard hotel for ten days with a rat infestation.”

The York man said the staff “know this has been going on for months as the manager explained on the phone, yet people are still been allowed to stay here.

“He also explained this is happening in other government quarantine hotels.

“It’s appalling and truly reflects a government that doesn’t care about it’s own citizens’ health and safety.”

Demanding a refund

York Central MP Rachael Maskell has taken up his case. She believes that the system is not fit for purpose.

“My constituent contacted me overnight due to a rat entering his room for a second time. He has now moved rooms twice and last night witnessed other residents moving rooms for the same reason,” Ms Maskell said.

“People are locked up in their rooms for all but a short break for exercise each day, and are having to eat and dispose of food waste in their rooms.

“I have contacted Public Health England and the local Director of Public Health covering the Heathrow area asking for immediate safety measures to be put in place.

“I have also written to the government overnight to report the situation. I have asked for my constituent to get a refund due to his experience and that they review the system.

“The government is clearly failing the public, yet at huge public cost. Once again ministers have contracted out work to private companies and have lost sight of the people who, in this case, are forced to use these services.”

The York resident says he is demanding a full refund.

A spokesperson for Mercure hotels said: “We take complaints such as this very seriously. An external pest control professional has checked the hotel and concluded no evidence of pest activity.

“The safety of all our guests and staff members is of the upmost importance to us and continues to be our number one focus.

“The hotel continues to abide by all quarantine guidelines, cleaning protocols and safety measures as set out by the government.”