Accor hotel group looking into claims of racism

International hotel operator Accor opened an internal investigation into allegations that one of its hotels in Australia had a policy of putting Aboriginal guests into dirty, poorly maintained rooms.

The report by the Australian Broadcasting Company said the hotel charged the same rate as it did for cleaner rooms where other guests were placed.

ABC obtained an email it said was sent to staff at the Ibis Styles Alice Springs Oasis instructing them to direct Aboriginal guests to one of six unkempt rooms. A hotel employee, who asked not to be named, also told the ABC that this was standard practice at the hotel.

The Paris-based Accor SA said Friday that it has an anti-discrimination policy and that it will take "swift and decisive" action.