No contact check-in, sanitising all touch points and booking pledge: How Holy Island guest house is planning for reopening

Thousands of visitors descend on Holy Island every year in normal times, many staying in its hotels and B&Bs.
Belvue Guesthouse on Holy Island.Belvue Guesthouse on Holy Island.
Belvue Guesthouse on Holy Island.

It has been a very different tale over recent weeks, of course, with Lindisfarne effectively shut down to visitors because of coronavirus.

Accommodation providers have been hit hard and are now keen to recoup some lost revenue over the key summer season.

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Danny Dagan of Belvue Guesthouse, said: “We opened Belvue Guesthouse in 2019, so the Covid-19 crisis hit us just as we were about to go into our second season.

Holy Island has a high proportion of residents in the vulnerable categories, so we decided to close our guesthouse even before the official restrictions were announced by the government.

“Initially, we had to write off all of our Easter trade, which was a wrench – but then the pandemic progressed, and we realised the entire season was at risk, so we needed to rethink our finances and rely on second jobs to keep us afloat.

“Some guests rescheduled, but many could not and the cancellations kept coming. I do have praise for Northumberland County Council that paid out our Small Business Grant within three working days, which was a surprise, and a great relief.”

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Despite the difficulties, he has been encouraged by the way the local community has helped each other out over the past 10 weeks.

The view towards Lindisfarne Castle from Belvue Guesthouse.The view towards Lindisfarne Castle from Belvue Guesthouse.
The view towards Lindisfarne Castle from Belvue Guesthouse.

“Hard as this time is, it has been heartwarming to see the community on Holy island come together and residents supporting each other through it,” he said.

“All the businesses on the island are suffering, but also keen that when the time comes to reopen, we do so in a way that will not put locals at risk.”

Measures are also being put in place to put visitors at ease when they return.

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“As we prepare for the easing of restrictions, the key is to ensure that our guests feel safe to stay with us,” said Danny.

“Our studios have always been self catering, which makes things a little easier, but now we've also added the option for 'no contact' check-in, and we've made sure our cleaning regime includes sanitising all touch points such as door handles and light switches.

“We also guarantee that if someone books a room with us and the government extends the lockdown, we will issue them a refund without any hassle.

“Our hope is that when it is safe to travel again, staycations will become the norm, at least in the near future, and help us and others in the industry recover.

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“Holy Island is unique in the Covid-19 era, in the sense that if you stay on the island, you can enjoy all of its charm without having to be exposed to the thousands of day visitors.

“As the tide approaches, they have to leave, while guests who stay 'on island' get this special beauty spot almost to themselves, without being exposed to the crowds.”

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