A viral Facebook video questioning why hotel guests were suddenly told to leave a Kent Travelodge triggered a wave of speculation online that it was being cleared for asylum seekers – despite no evidence to support the theory.
Wakefield man Craig Williams filmed the footage while staying at the branch between Faversham and Whitstable after guests were told they needed to relocate because of disruption to water supplies.
In the clip, he pointed out the shower and toilet in his room were still working and questioned whether the explanation given by staff was genuine, suggesting instead the closure could be linked to migrants arriving on small boats during the recent heatwave.
The video quickly gained traction online, attracting more than 114,000 views and hundreds of comments, with many convinced Mr Williams’ theory had substance.
“Go back in a few days ull soon find out why u had to leave. B*****ds,” wrote one commenter.
“Disgusting – moving paying guests out so they can move the illegal boat people in,” another posted.
“What other reason could there possibly be? This is happening all over the country and not just in hotels,” added a third.
Mr Williams also urged followers to spread the footage more widely, writing beneath the video: “This is why im trying to get as many people as I can to share this and get it viral it’s disgusting.”
The Travelodge at Dargate, off the A299 between Faversham and Whitstable, was closed suddenly on May 28 because of water supply issues. Picture: Google
When another commenter suggested the closure was actually linked to water supply problems and told him to “stop scaremongering”, he replied: “Prove it”.
The video, posted at 7.20pm on May 28, shows Mr Williams walking around his room and bathroom while questioning the explanation given by hotel bosses.
The dad, who describes himself on Facebook as a digital creator, says: “Hi people. So I’m working down in Canterbury, near Dover, and I’m stopping in a Travelodge and we’ve just been told the full, entire hotel has to leave. They’re relocating – they’re relocating us.
“I asked the reason why and they said it’s down to the shower, which is working fine by the way, the toilet, which is working fine, because I’ve just been on it.
“I find it very, very funny how we’ve had this massive heatwave and all these boats have come, and we’re so close to Dover, and we’re in a hotel, and now we’re getting told to leave.
“What is going on? What is actually going on?”
Craig Williams pointed out that the toilet and shower in his hotel room still worked, questioning if the explanation given by Travelodge bosses was genuine. Picture: Facebook
However, KentOnline has sought to verify the reason behind the closure on May 28, with South East Water confirming the area in question was “unfortunately impacted by water supply issues on this date”.
Travelodge, which has previously stated it does not hold contracts with the Home Office to house migrants, also confirmed the closure was linked to disruption in water supply which affected thousands across east Kent.
There were also no reported small boat crossings on May 28.
Many in the comments pointed out rooms at the hotel were still available to book on multiple dates, something KentOnline also verified.
Residents across east Kent were meanwhile dealing with wider supply issues, with some homes left without water and businesses temporarily forced to shut.
A Travelodge spokesperson said: “Due to a disruption in the water supply in the local area, our Canterbury Whitstable hotel was temporarily closed on Thursday, May 28.
Bottled water stations like this one in Herne Bay were set up during the disruption to supplies
“The safety and welfare of our guests was our priority and our teams worked quickly to arrange alternative accommodation for guests nearby.
“The issue was resolved on Saturday, May 30, and the hotel reopened for business.
“We would like to thank our customers for their understanding and cooperation.”
It is understood there remained a limited supply of water at the hotel while its systems drained, explaining why some bathroom facilities continued to operate despite the wider disruption.
Steve Smith, CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais, says videos like this can quickly fuel speculation online.
“This sort of thing happens all the time,” he said.
Steve Smith is the CEO of refugee charity Care4Calais. Picture: Care4Calais
“It’s a constant drip, drip – it feeds the public’s imagination.
“Quite often what is being said is either completely false or highly distorted, but the trouble is it contributes to public anger.”
Mr Smith said the scale of engagement with the clip highlighted how quickly theories can spread online.
“It’s really interesting how big a reach that simple Facebook video got,” he said.
“There are no facts, there’s nothing to bear out what he’s saying – he uses innuendo and supposition rather than actually saying anything.
“There’s absolutely nothing to substantiate what he’s saying at all, and yet people will jump on this.”
Craig Williams shared a video on Facebook suggesting the sudden relocation of guests from a Travelodge near Faversham could be linked to small boat arrivals in Kent. Picture: Facebook
The use of hotels to accommodate asylum seekers has become an increasingly contentious issue in Kent because of the county’s proximity to small boat crossings.
Almost 9,000 people have crossed the Channel so far this year, with Kent continuing to be the main arrival point for those rescued or brought ashore after making the journey from France.
The government has repeatedly pledged to reduce reliance on asylum hotels, arguing they are expensive and unsuitable for long-term accommodation.
Several hotels across Kent have housed asylum seekers in recent years, but Travelodge is understood to have a longstanding policy against entering agreements with the Home Office for that purpose.
Last year, the company wrote on X: “Travelodge does not have any contracts to house asylum seekers.
“The safety of our colleagues and guests is extremely important to us and we monitor the situation and have existing policies and processes in place to support the safety of our guests and our hotels.”
Mr Williams has been approached for comment.