A YORK doctor who isolated in a Government approved quarantine hotel after returning from abroad has hit out at the “horrendous” experience.

Dr Sanjay Gupta, a heart specialist in York, was forced to stay in The Courtyard by Marriot in London for 10 days after returning to the UK from Kenya where he travelled to visit his dying father in March.

Dr Gupta described the experience, which cost him £1,750, as “ridiculous” after issues with the travel from the airport and the food in the hotel.

York Press: One of the meals served to Dr Gupta during his stay

“It’s as if we’re being treated like asylum seekers, it’s completely crazy, ” he said.

After reaching Heathrow Airport, Dr Gupta was directed onto a bus - which he described as “congested”, making him feel unsafe.

He said it then took five hours for the bus to reach his hotel - as it had to stop off many times to allow other passengers to get off.

York Press: The "heaving" bus which transported the "high-risk" passengers from the airport to the hotel

Once he reached The Courtyard hotel, Dr Gupta says he was then passed 10 different menus - which he said looked “really poor”.

He was promised three meals a day by the hotel, most of which he said had been in an “appalling” state when delivered.

York Press: One of the meals served to Dr Gupta during his stay

The Press approached Marriott for a comment but received no response by the time of going to press.

However, The Courtyard by Marriot earlier told the BBC that it offered at least three choices for every meal and had been in contact with Dr Gupta to discuss alternatives and ways it could make his quarantine stay more comfortable.

A spokesperson for The Department of Health and Social Care said: “The Government continues to ensure every person in quarantine gets the support they need and all managed quarantine facilities are accommodating the vast majority of people’s requirements.

“Our top priority has always been protecting the public and the robust border regime we introduced is helping minimise the number of new variants being imported into the UK.

“Hotels do their utmost to take any necessary steps to address concerns raised by guests.”