The hotel chain plans to re-open five hotels on the island of Ireland on 20 July.
The Jurys Inn hotel group has unveiled a five-point health and safety plan ahead of the reopening of four hotels in Ireland (Dublin – Parnell Street and Christchurch, Cork and Galway) and one hotel in Northern Ireland (Belfast) next month.
As per Phase 4 of the government roadmap for reopening society and business, hotels will be permitted to reopen for social and tourist activities from 20 July, initially on a limited occupancy basis with social distancing measures in place. As outlined in the roadmap, hotel bars are to remain closed until pubs, nightclubs and casinos are allowed reopen under Phase 5 on 10 August.
To prepare for reopening next month, Jurys Inn has unveiled a five-point plan titled ‘Stay Safe, Stay Happy’, which outlines the enhanced measures that will be undertaken to ensure the safety of guests and staff.
Covered in the plan are the following five categories:
- Hygiene
- Social Distancing
- Cashless operation
- Food and beverage delivery
- Training
The plan was developed in tandem with the Environmental Health Organisation, implements guidance issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and will be rigorously applied, the hotel group says, across all hotels in Ireland.
The measures that will be adopted for each category in the five-point plan can be seen below:
Hygiene
- Use of Ecolab disinfectant products that are proven to be effective against Covid-19
- Sanitising stations in key areas such as lobbies, receptions, lifts and back of house
- Deep cleaning protocols in place
- Increased cleaning of frequently touched items and surfaces in bedrooms and minimum printed material
- Increased bedroom checks by senior management
Social Distancing
Social distancing will be practiced in each hotel by encouraging two-metre (six foot) distance between guests; including the following measures:
- A minimum check-out/check-in to limit close contact within the hotel
- Online check-in will be available at all hotels on re-opening
- Two metre floor markings will be in every reception
- Protective screens at all reception desks
- Lifts should only be used by one person or guests known to each other only
Cashless Operation
- All hotels will be operating as Cashless – this will include food and beverage departments
- Cards only at this time
- Debit/credit cards will be charged on check-in for the cost of the stay
- Any additional costs during the stay will be charged as consumed
Food and Beverage Offering
- All hotels will be operating a reduced food and beverage offering, which will be detailed in a welcome letter in each bedroom upon arrival;
- All menus will be available to view online whilst providing a limited 24-hour room service
- Breakfast will be made available as a continental option delivered to the room
- Contactless room service will be available
- Appropriate hygienic delivery methods will be in place for the hotels’ food and beverage offering
Training
Jurys Inn says that all staff have received additional training. Working alongside the Environmental Health Organisation, the group says it has ensured best practices and standards for housekeeping are in place and that staff are well prepared to keep guests safe for the duration of their stay and that this will be reflected in how they interact with guests during their stay.
Commenting on the five-point plan, Jason Carruthers, Managing Director of Jurys Inn and Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland, said: “Our utmost priority remains the health, safety and wellbeing of our guests, team members and the wider community during these unprecedented times. Ensuring we respond and innovate now to meet the new mindset and environment will be critical as we help mitigate the spread of Covid-19.
“I’m therefore delighted to launch our new customer commitment charter, which will ensure we keep everyone safe, and help us to navigate the road ahead as we look to open our doors again to our valued guests and people.
“We’ve worked hard to ensure we’ve implemented the most relevant mitigating actions and precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of the virus within our hotels and across all of our operations buildings – wherever our teams and guests are.”
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