HOTEL staff have apologised after a mum was left horrified and feeling unsafe staying at a Bucks Travelodge.

Helen Bainbridge booked a room at the Travelodge in Octagon Parade in Abbey Way where she claims to have found dirty rooms and a faulty lock on her bedroom door.

The visitor was staying in the hotel for three nights with her children after travelling up from South Devon to attend a funeral in Amersham.

The family stayed at the hotel from Thursday, January 26, to Sunday, January 29, and believe they stayed in a room which had been "kicked in" as the lock appeared to be broken.

READ MORE: Cumbria man describes Travelodge nightmare after police incident

Ms Bainbridge said: "We were allocated the 'only room which was key operated' and merrily checked in after a 200-mile drive with children to attend a family funeral. 

"After walking through the pitch black underpass to get to the entrance we are greeted at reception by one of the many rehoused residents who mentioned had been there for six months. Off to our room and the door had obviously been kicked in and had a terrible repair job."

The guest claims she was able to remove screws from the door handle with her hands and that the door could be 'pushed open with gentle force'.

Travelodge confirmed a complaint was made regarding the safety of the lock, but say it was in 'good working order' during the family's stay.

Ms Bainbridge said: "After much persuasion they offered to transfer us to Marlow - until the online booking system denied this as we had already checked in."

The family also claim a security guard reassured them they were staying on 'one of the safer floors' and offered to patrol more than two hours at a time to 'ensure their safety'.

The mum said the family were moved to a new room the next day however found the drain was blocked with 'clumps of hair'.

"Safe to say this stay was horrendous", she added.

The complaint comes, just one week after visitor David Hutchins stayed with his son to attend his mother's funeral in Marlow. The dad from Cumbria discovered his room was freezing cold and that the toilet wouldn't flush properly.

Travelodge apologised to Mr Owens Hutchins and refunded him his full booking.

The hotel company has also apologised to Ms Bainbridge for their recent stay.

A Travelodge spokesman said: "We would like to sincerely apologise to Miss Bainbridge and her family for their recent experience with us. The safety and welfare of our customers and staff is paramount to us.

"Our hotel team responded to Miss Bainbridge’s feedback during her stay and checked the door and lock which was in good working order. However, as Miss Bainbridge was not happy with this outcome, the family were moved to another suitable room as soon as one was available and also the night stay was refunded.

"We appreciate customer feedback and as a gesture of goodwill to reinstate Miss Bainbridge’s faith in our brand we have refunded the booking in full and we hope to welcome Miss Bainbridge and her family to one of our 581 hotels soon.”