A REOPENED hotel in Barrow has released a video to ease guests’ minds about coronavirus safety measures before they come to stay.

The Holiday Inn Express video 'tour' covers all aspects of a stay, from check-in – where, for example, key cards are in envelopes ready to just pick up – through self-service meals and check-out, showing all members of staff wearing personal protective equipment (PPE).

Mark Winter, the general manager of the Barrow hotel, said more than 40 key worker guests have so far booked to stay since the hotel reopened on June 1.

Customers are benefitting from special discounts in appreciation of the work they are doing during the pandemic.

Protective screens have been installed at reception.

There are also sanitiser stations throughout the building and prominent signs throughout the hotel helping customers keep to a social distance.

Owners IHG have also developed an enhanced cleaning regime in response to the pandemic

The 127-room hotel, described as Barrow's biggest, opened in December but had to close in March due to the outbreak.

“It’s obviously a bit different, but we’d already built a reputation for fantastic customer service and that hasn’t changed,” said Mr Winter.

“Our aim is to provide a home from home – and that even includes Netflix and a power shower in each room.”

Mark Ashall, shareholder of Holiday Inn Express and developer of Ashall Projects, said: "We are the first sizeable hotel in the area to reopen and the support and expertise of IHG has been invaluable.

"In Cumbria, apart from our Holiday Inn Express in Barrow, there are relatively few chain hotels who can call upon such help.”

Councillor Hazel Edwards, leader of the Conservative group in Barrow, said: “I am so pleased that the Holiday Inn Express in Barrow-in-Furness has reopened for key workers.

“It is a great asset to our town, not only because of the excellent facilities, but also because of the exceptional welcome from all staff.

“They have thought carefully about social distancing and provision of facilities, without being obtrusive.

"It is a safe, bright, central hotel in a town that is the Gateway to the Lakes, where the mountains meet the sea.”

The Holiday Inn Express was built on the site of a former police station in Barrow’s Market Street. It employs 25 people, all recruited from the local area. Fewer members of staff are needed at the moment but more will be brought back from furlough as demand grows for accommodation.