Homeless Man Speaks Out After Manchester Hotel Refusal on Freezing Night

A homeless man has described his treatment as “disgusting” after being refused entry to a Manchester hotel on a night of freezing temperatures, despite having a room booked in advance. The incident has raised serious questions about how vulnerable people are treated during extreme weather conditions.

Calumn Donaghey, 30, said he was left shocked and humiliated after being turned away from the Holiday Inn Express late in the evening, even though he had paid for accommodation. Temperatures in the city had dropped below zero, prompting cold weather alerts and warnings about the risk to people sleeping rough.

Donaghey explained that hotel staff informed him that company policy did not allow homeless people to stay on the premises. He said he was told this after staff became aware of his circumstances, despite the fact that he had followed the booking process like any other guest. Another homeless man with a pre booked room was also reportedly refused entry the same night.

Speaking about the experience, Donaghey said the refusal made him feel dehumanised. He described standing outside in the cold, knowing he had a room booked but was still being denied shelter. He said the situation was not just upsetting but dangerous, given the freezing conditions and the known risks to health during prolonged exposure to extreme cold.

Homelessness charities in Manchester said the case highlights wider problems faced by people trying to access emergency shelter through private accommodation. While some hotels work with councils and charities during cold weather, others operate internal policies that campaigners say unfairly discriminate against those most in need. Advocates argue that denying accommodation to someone solely because they are homeless raises ethical concerns, especially during severe weather.

Manchester City Council said it continues to work with local organisations to provide emergency beds when temperatures drop, but acknowledged that demand often outstrips supply. Outreach teams have been active across the city during cold spells, encouraging people sleeping rough to come indoors. However, campaigners say incidents like this show that gaps remain, particularly when individuals attempt to arrange accommodation independently.

Following public attention, representatives for the hotel brand said the matter was being reviewed and that the company takes such allegations seriously. They stressed that staff are expected to treat all guests with dignity and respect, but did not confirm whether the policy described by Donaghey was official or misapplied at a local level.

For Donaghey, the issue goes beyond one night. He said the experience reflects a wider attitude towards homelessness that strips people of basic dignity. He added that being homeless should not mean being denied warmth, safety or humanity, especially when someone is willing and able to pay for a room.

As winter continues, charities have renewed calls for clearer guidance for hotels and stronger coordination with local authorities. They warn that without compassion and flexibility, people sleeping rough will continue to face unnecessary risks. Donaghey said he hopes speaking out will prevent others from being left in the cold, reminding the public that homelessness is not a choice but a circumstance that deserves understanding, not exclusion.