STEPPING through the doors of the Holiday Inn, Gatwick on Sunday night I am almost giddy with excitement.
Normally, for me a stay at an airport hotel is the start of new adventures and a great way to avoid an even earlier wake-up call for an early-morning flight.
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But after three months stuck at home in lockdown, just the thought of spending a night in a hotel bed with crisp, clean sheets and fluffy pillows is a ridiculous treat.
Of course, in the midst of the global coronavirus pandemic, this is not going to be a normal stay and the signs are there from the second you step into the lobby.
The hotel has remained open throughout the crisis as a refuge for key workers and has been at the forefront of implementing the myriad new measures needed to protect both staff and guests.
Perspex screens cover the reception desk but the smile from the night receptionist is warm and he’s quick to point out the new arrangements from social distancing to encouraging me to use the hand sanitising stations.
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I’m handed form to confirm my details – and key worker status – but am told to pick a pen from a box of freshly-sanitised stationary before signing the form and then popping my used pen in a different container for cleaning.
I’ve arrived at 9.30pm and while the hotel’s restaurant is no longer open, I can order sandwiches and pizzas at the bar, as well as drinks, but must eat them in my room or outside on the picnic benches in the hotel’s grounds.
The hotel has already adapted its spacious lounge bar to comply with social distancing measures with tables spread out accordingly and markings on the floor to help those arriving at the restaurant for breakfast in the morning to keep their distance.
These are in preparation for the hotel finally being able to open to all with government’s predicted July 4 reopening for the hospitality industry.
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After picking up my tuna sandwich and drink from the bar, I head up to my room.
I’m on the second floor and again, coronavirus precautions are visible by the lifts with a restriction of just ONE person at a time in the smaller of the two lifts and signs explaining procedures in place.
My room when I arrive is spotlessly clean but really is no different to what I’d expect – it’s clear of clutter but there’s still all the facilities I’d expect including my favourites – proper plugs and USB points by the bed, tea and coffee facilities and a decent hairdryer.
As part of the IHG hotel group, the Holiday Inn will be introducing a new Clean Promise that will see a host of new enhanced cleaning protocols in place.
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When the hotel does open up to the public once more, there will be hand sanitiser and disinfecting wipes in all the rooms should you wish to give items such as switches and remote controls another clean for your own peace of mind.
In the bathroom, there are no individual toiletries as part of the hotel group’s commitment to reducing its single-use plastics.
I have no problem with using the wall canisters filled with liquid soap and hand cream – far better than fiddly little bottles and bars of soap that have no eco-credentials.
With a 4am alarm call, I wasn’t able to test out the hotel’s breakfast but from now on, buffets are off the menu with a la carte options and room service the way forward for now.
For my first hotel stay in three months, it was great to take joy in the little things like jumping into freshly clean sheets and a hot, strong shower to get me going.
I felt safe and secure as I lay back to sleep and dream of flying off for a new adventure in the morning – even if that was just a 7am flight to Glasgow!
