News Updates
AA Covid-19 Confident | August, 4th 2020
We are thrilled to have been accredited with AA Covid-19 Confident
The UK wide scheme provides reassurance that the necessary risk assessments are in place along with safety measures and staff training
The scheme is backed by top industry bodies across the UK. The hotel is has also obtained the Northern Ireland Hotel’s Federation and Tourism NI’s ‘We’re Good To Go’ safety recognition
Steps towards welcoming you back
It has been nearly eleven weeks since we closed our hotel, and we’re so pleased to be
able to start talking about re-opening. During the lockdown we have been bringing you
‘the sounds and sights’ of the beach live every week from our web cam. If you didn’t
watch these on Facebook check out the details here
In line with the recent government announcement, we’re working towards opening the
Marine Hotel on Monday 20th July and are currently taking room reservations.
For non-residents we will start taking bookings for our restaurant from the 1 July, for
meals after the 20 July opening date. We are of course aware that this is conditional and
subject to change.
Our telephone lines will now be open every week from Tuesday to Thursday inclusive
from 10.00 – 16.00 hours for reservations – call us on 028 2076 2222 OR you can check
availability and book online 24 hours a day – 7 days a week at
www.marinehotelballycastle.com
Following the closure, our priority was to ensure our teams were supported and our
guests reassured. Our reservations team has been working hard to provide flexibility to
guests whose bookings have been cancelled. We’re very grateful for the patience and
understanding everyone has shown as we’ve navigated this challenge.
Health and safety is always our priority in order to guarantee the best implementation
of the measures and inspire in our guests the greatest possible confidence. We are still
shaping exactly what our adjustments look like and what it will mean. Our full plan will
be published on our website before we open.
In the meantime, see our 8 POINT ACTION PLAN below for an overview.
We all look forward to welcoming you back to the Marine Hotel Ballycastle soon
Best wishes
Joanne Boyle
General Manager
The 8 Point Action Plan
1. Guidance and good practice
We’re following all government guidelines and have been actively involved in scoping
out industry best practice in partnership with key tourism bodies and specialists. Once
confirmed, we’ll complete all necessary assessments and certification to validate our
policies.
2. Our teams, supply chain and partners
We’ll ensure that everyone involved in our business is fully aware of and committed to
our ethos. This includes:
* Every team member will be trained in new health and hygiene related procedures and
their responsibility to guests and colleagues.
* New HR policies and processes have already been implemented, to prepared for our
teams to return to work.
* We will take all reasonable steps to follow the government’s Covid-19 Secure
Workplace Guidelines.
* We are communicating with key suppliers and partners, to ensure that their policies
and systems relating to health and hygiene meet our high standards.
* We will supply all necessary PPE. This will include face coverings and gloves for all
guest facing team members.
3. Communication
We’ll share as much information as possible to provide assurance and transparency:
* Our health and hygiene booklet will be available and published on our website before
we open.
* We’ll update all our pre-arrival email communications to provide additional
information relating to health and hygiene.
* Our telephone lines will now be open every week from Tuesday to Thursday inclusive
from 10.00 – 16.00 hours for reservations – call us on 028 2076 2222 OR you can check
availability and book online 24 hours a day – 7 days a week at
www.marinehotelballycastle.com
* We’ll call all guests five days before arrival to complete a simple ‘Health Check’ and
confirm the details of their booking.
* New signage and focus points will be added across the hotel to promote hygiene and
social distancing.
4. Cleaning
A new risk-based approach to cleaning will be implemented and all team members will
be trained accordingly per department. Hand sanitiser will be available and visible at several points across the hotel and staff areas. Thorough and more frequent cleaning of
public areas, with special attention given to toilets and areas of greater contact.
Bedrooms and key cards will receive a thorough cleaning with virucidal products recommended by Zenith.
5. Social distancing
We will maximise our large communal and outdoor areas to create more space for
guests. We’ll also promote a ‘one way’ guest flow through the hotel.
6. Capacity
We’ll adhere to restrictions relating to hotel capacity while social distancing is required,
dining in Marconi’s Bar & Bistro will only be available with priority given when a reservation is made.
7. Dining Areas
We will take all necessary measures to deliver minimum contact, ensure hygiene standards and social distancing. These include:
* Breakfast service has been reconsidered, our teams will serve you breakfast at your
table, we will not offer a buffet service. We will request that guests book a time slot to spread the flow, a time slot of 45 minutes will be allowed after which the area will be sanitised and left to air dry before the next reservation.
* Dinner reservations will also be staggered to ensure social distancing with a time slot of
one hour and 30 minutes.
* Simplified menus will be created and available electronically to avoid the use of paper
with a pre order option.
* Tables will be positioned the required distance apart in all our dining areas, in line with
the latest government guidelines.
8.Technology
We have readdressed our technology priorities to focus on the elements which will help
us deliver this plan. Examples include:
* Developing a new guest mobile app, which will allow guests to communicate with us
before and during their stay. The app will also be a source for restaurant menus and
general information.
*Redesigning our check-in arrival process, reducing paper contact and speed.
* Implementing tablet ordering for Marconi’s Bar & Restaurant
* Taking card payments only.