If all goes well and with reduction of Lockdown measures, the Balmer Lawn Hotel in Brockenhurst, New Forest, expects to re-open on Saturday 4 July 2020.
The Prime Minister has made clear that this is contingent on the “R” (reinfection rate) staying below 1.
Both the front and back of house teams are committed to upholding the highest hygiene standards possible and where staying safe and maintaining social distancing will be at the core of everything.
All departments are working on producing detailed Risk Assessments and all teams will be trained in the new cleanliness standards.
Hand sanitiser will be readily available throughout the hotel.
The Balmer Lawn has a large ground floor area with six meeting/function rooms, which means that the hotel can offer certainty with the spacing of tables and casual seating so that social distancing will always be achieved and maintained.
The outside terraces to the front and side of the Hotel are usually bathed in sunshine and will be ready to welcome guests, offering well-spaced tables and chairs.
Beresfords Restaurant and Lounge Bar will as always have great food and drink offerings with a new Bistro Style menu.
Guests can use the new ‘non-contact’ check-in process with all payments and registration being completed prior to arrival; the same for the check-out process. Room keys will be waiting for guests who can proceed directly to the room.
It is essential that everyone complies with the advice and guidance provided during their stay, to ensure that everyone – both other guests and staff – all remain safe whilst delivering a high and consistent level of social distancing along with the usual great service.
Other actions being taken at the hotel during lockdown include:
- Repainting the outside of the hotel in a lovely new livery, that compliments the natural, New Forest setting
- Re-decorating the hotel’s, reception, lounge bar and snug areas
- Carrying out extensive work to ensure that the gardens and grounds are looking their best and ready to welcome guests
- The operations team is working hard on practical measures to ensure safety of both guests and staff
The owners and staff of the Balmer Lawn are all very excited by the prospect of welcoming back regular and new customers to the hotel, and hope that the actions being taken will give visitors the confidence and desire to come and visit the beautiful New Forest and the historic property, newly decorated and ready for guests’ visit.
This is just a starting point and the staff will be continually adapting and changing procedures in line with guidance from the Government.
Details about the use of face masks, gloves etc. will be advised nearer the time of re-opening.
Balmer Lawn Hotel (01590 623 116, balmerlawnhotel.com). For general information about the New Forest visit www.thenewforest.co.uk. All images: (c) KenRockwell.com