N.C. Hotel Apologizes For Turning Away Soldier on Memorial Day

A hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina has issued an apology after being accused of turning away a stranded soldier on Memorial Day.

The Baymont Inn and Suites located near the Charlotte Douglas International Airport has received criticism after it allegedly turned away Army Corporal Hayden Harrington because he is only 20 years old, not 21.

Harrington had been traveling back to his base at Fort Sill, Oklahoma after visiting his home in Danville, New Hampshire for Memorial Day weekend when his flight from North Carolina to Oklahoma was canceled.

Seeking a hotel for the night, Harrington was referred to the Baymont Inn and Suites by the nonprofit United Service Organizations, but he was not allowed to rent a hotel room because the hotel has a policy that only people of 21 years of age or older may rent a room.

"Anyone who is old enough to fight for our country should be able to stay in a hotel and not be turned away on the street," Cpl. Harrington's mom Pamela LaPrell told ABC 6 News. 

The company that owns the hotel chain reportedly issued a statement to WBTV-TV apologizing for turning away the soldier.

"Thank you for bringing this to our attention," the company said.

 "Please know that the situation described does not reflect our brand core values. While the brand does not enforce an age policy, the hotel, which is independently owned and operated under a franchise agreement, may have established such a rule as a precautionary measure or be following local jurisdiction. Please know that we are looking into this matter."