What to expect when you stay in a hotel post lockdown

I love staying in hotels. Who doesn’t?

Admittedly, over the years there have been a few Fawlty Towers’ experiences, with grisly memories of thunderous plumbing, stained 1970s carpets and food that wouldn’t look out of place in a Bushtucker Trial, but in the main, the majority of my hotel visits have been wonderful.

And that is because, even if it is just for one night, a hotel stay is a temporary escape from normality; a cocoon where life’s realities and worries are momentarily left behind.

The bliss begins the moment you open the hotel bedroom door and survey the surrounds. The luxury of an expertly made bed with perfectly-pressed sheets and a swaddling duvet. The thrill of an ensuite bathroom with fluffy white towels, dinky shampoo bottles and a shower head the size of a dinner plate. Ordering food to the room and not having to do the dishes. Not having to do anything, in fact.

But in a post-lockdown world, what would staying in a hotel be like? Would it be joyless and clinical? Not worth the bother of packing one’s toothbrush?

To find out, my daughter Maria and I booked into Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Londonderry, a luxurious, boutique establishment within the historic city walls.

Having spent the last few months together with the hell-on-earth of home-schooling and not going further than the local park for a walk, we were practically exploding with excitement as we arrived at the exquisite Grade B1 listed building.

Before going through the revolving doors we squirted on hand-sanitiser from a large dispenser, then followed the arrows on the floor to reception, where an exceptionally friendly receptionist welcomed us from behind Perspex.

Our (sanitised) room key was presented in an envelope, as was a map to the city. None of this seemed weird or impersonal, in fact it was a comfort to know these measures were in place.

We were asked to book in for breakfast the following morning, rather than just turning up. Again, absolutely fine.

Before taking the lift to our room, we hand-sanitised once more from a wall-mounted dispenser.

A quick scan around our beautiful room, decorated in muted tones with pops of orange, and it was hard to tell that anything was different than from before lockdown.

On closer, Columbo-style inspection, I noticed the TV remote encased in a plastic covering; there were no tourist leaflets, pens or stationery, menus or information booklets about the hotel - the paraphernalia you would normally find in a hotel room.

There was, however, a Bible in a drawer and the usual tea and coffee making facilities.

In the bathroom a bottle of hand sanitiser was provided along with all the other toiletries.

Before dinner in the Gown restaurant, we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink in the Wig Champagne Bar.

A one-way system was in operation, with patrons going in one door and out the other. Tables were spaced apart and there was a convivial atmosphere as patrons sipped extravagant-looking cocktails. The staff were not wearing masks, but kept their distance.

Drinks were ordered and served at our table, so no propping up the bar. I noticed staff thoroughly clean a table and seats with sanitiser after some customers had left.

None of this spritzing, cleaning and hand-sanitising, dampened our elation: not only were we staying in a hotel, we were going to have wonderful dinner cooked by someone else served to us at our table.

After months cooped up together in our home, with humble, uneventful meals, it felt joyous.

The safety measures, such as the one-way route, were more reassuring than annoying and the frequent hand-sanitising became second nature.

In the dining room, hygiene measures were unobtrusive, tables spaced apart, a waitress spritzing chairs and tables.

We settled down, thrilled to be dining out, My daughter delighted to have a choice beyond beans on toast and beans under toast.

Her squid starter was a symphony of flavours, my goat’s cheese tart, scrumptious. Our mains, cod for her, hake for me, were substantial and sublime.

We rounded off with sticky toffee pudding and a visually dazzling Baked Alaska, me happy at the thought of not having to clear the table and stack the dishwasher .

Next day we were planning a stomp around the city walls, so set ourselves up with good breakfasts - an omelette for me, and a pancake stack for Maria.

Buffet items, such as croissants, pastries and fruit salads were individually wrapped on a table, alongside little boxes of cereals. Other than that, the breakfast experience was normal.

I noticed diners who hadn’t booked in for lunch, being asked for their names and telephone numbers - a way, I assume, for the hotel to track any customer should any guest later report Covid-19.

The new safety measures at Bishop’s Gate Hotel do not, in my opinion, impinge on the visitor experience, but obviously a lot of hard work has gone on, and is going on, behind the scenes to ensure customer and staff safety.

Ciaran O’Neill, managing director of the hotel, said when the Executive confirmed July 3 as the date for the reopening of hotels in Northern Ireland, they implemented various new measures to facilitate a safe reopening.

These included the installation of hand sanitiser stations at entry points, the introduction of disinfectant “fogging” machines to sanitise guest bedrooms, a contactless payment policy where possible and reconfiguration of bar and restaurant areas.

‘‘It really is like trading in a new world,’’ he said.

‘‘We have embraced the challenges and we have worked to ensure that we have a safe environment for our employees and guests, while still maintaining the Bishop’s Gate magic that we are renowned for.

“Feedback from customers to date suggests that the “new” hotel experience looks very like what it was before, albeit with some face masks apparent, increased evidence of cleaning and some changes to the flow of guests through the building.

“As the relationship between each brand and consumer starts by building trust, regaining customer confidence will be the first step in overcoming the crisis. Life will return to normal. Our industry will bounce back.’’

My first foray back into hotels after lockdown was a resounding success.

I felt as well-tended to as I would pre-Covid-19. Being constantly assured of my safety by the meticulous, friendly staff was a comfort. I only wish I could have stayed longer in this particular bubble.

*Bishop’s Gate Hotel, www.bishopsgatehotelderry.com

+44 (0) 2871 140300