Quick update on COVID-19 era stays, as we did a 1 night stay here at the weekend.
Booked a cheap standard room a couple of months ago, but the hotel was actually quite busy over the weekend as there was a lot of football activity going on at the hotel. We were upgraded to a suite a week before arrival, which was nice as the hotel was busy.
Main changes at the moment are:
- The Exec Lounge is closed. We received a welcome bag (wine, soft drinks, water and a snack) at check in, along with drinks vouchers instead though.
- The restaurant is closed beyond breakfast. Food is served in the Crossbar instead and you need to book in for a reservation. Looked like the regular bar menu in operation, although you needed to scan a QR code to access it.
- There is a one way system in place in to and out of the Crossbar area.
- Breakfast is served in the restaurant and is well spaced out. Hot items are served to you at the regular place, the rest is self-service. There is a little less choice than previously, but on the whole it was still a decent spread.
- The pool and spa has limited capacity and you need to book in
- Because the pool is limited capacity, the hotel has set-up some gaming pods that can be booked in the conference area. Guests also have access to a sports pitch and a couple of other extras that they have put in place. I think this was mainly to be a bit more family friendly and offer a few additional things.
- There is a grab and go area by reception, with hot and cold drinks, light snacks etc. The coffee shop on the 1st floor appears to be closed, so I think it is replacing that.
The hotel seemed to be making a good effort to offer some additional services, as well as to keep as much open as possible whilst being COVID-19 safe.