Holiday Inn Express Folkestone has welcomed more than 70 key workers through its doors.
The hotel, on Cheriton High Street, remains open and operational for those carrying out essential work during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has so far provided accommodation for employees from the NHS, local care home staff, the rail and telecoms industries.
Niall Bird, General Manager at the HIEX Folkestone, said: “Many key workers are being faced with the difficult decision of staying away from their own homes and families in order to keep their own loved ones safe and well.
“By remaining open we can welcome these heroes in, providing a safe place to stay during these incredibly tough times, while they continue to carry out their work and do our nation proud.”
In order to protect both key workers’ and its own employees’ health and wellbeing, the hotel has introduced stringent safe distancing measures and additional cleaning procedures, in line with UK government guidance.
Niall Bird, added: “Our biggest priority of course is the health and safety of those staying with us, and our own team, too.
“We’ve put in place strict policies such as deep cleaning between residents’ stays and contactless guest check-in and evening meal delivery to provide peace of mind.
“These people are true heroes and we’re very proud to be supporting them, providing a safe place to rest while they carry out their vital work.”
The hotel is one of 35 UK properties remaining open for key workers, operated by hotel management company Interstate Hotels & Resorts.
Nicholas Northam, Executive Vice President – International at Interstate, said: “There is no doubting that these are tremendously difficult times but we’re doing all we can to keep a large number of our UK hotels open to accommodate key workers in the locations most in need.
“We’re proud to be supporting the national effort, working with these vital organisations, including the NHS and its supply chain, to meet demand wherever possible.”
For further information about the Holiday Inn Express Folkestone
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/gb/en/folkestone/lyxfx/hoteldetail
