Telford hotel expecting huge demand as it prepares to reopen with easing of lockdown
Preparations are being made as staff at a Telford hotel and leisure resort begin the countdown to welcoming back guests as the lockdown eases.
Boris Johnson’s announcement last week detailing the reopening of golf courses from March 29, spa and leisure facilities from April 12 and a chance to leave home and stay in a hotel overnight from May 17 means that the Telford Hotel & Golf Resort can finally put plans in place.
Staff will be busy cleaning bedrooms, prepping leisure facilities and meeting rooms, mowing the golf course lawn and even polishing check-in bells.
Peter Nye, the hotel's general manager, is expecting demand to be 'huge' as people are free once again to make plans.
He said: “We are expecting the biggest number of guests, probably ever, as people breathe the sigh of relief after lockdown and plan a going out, pampering sessions, leisure breaks, overnights and weekends away like never before. So we need to be ready.”
The QHotels Group has been planning for this time for over six months.
Even though hotels in the group have been open for essential stays for key workers throughout the pandemic, the task is still immense.
“There are huge challenges in reopening a hotel," Peter said.
"Most don’t realise the enormity of the task, but thousands of staff across the group have been rehearsing for this moment for some time and we have already swung in to action."
Already the phones are ringing at the 21 hotels that the group manage and bookings, especially in Shropshire, are higher than anticipated and way above the normal for this time of year.
“We have seen a huge surge in bookings already and a bigger take up than ever for that first week of 'unlock',” said Peter.
“Not only is this due to the freedom break but our special Great British Breakaway deals are also proving irresistible."
All hotels in the QHotels Group have been accredited by Shield Safety Group as part of the group’s Clean + Safe programme.
The group says it provides staff, customers and suppliers with the confidence that all hotels have been fully assessed for safety measures.
