STAFF at one of Donegal’s top hotels are ‘ready to go’ and ‘very excited’ at re-opening in three weeks’ time.
Carolynne Harrison, general manager at the Shandon Hotel & Spa at Marble Hill, Dunfanaghy, says her team used the lockdown to prepare for a new way of working once restrictions were lifted.
And the Government decision to bring forward easing those restrictions by three weeks from July 20 to June 29 is a major boost to the Donegal tourism sector, she says.
“Like most of the rest of the country, I was glued to the TV on Friday with my fingers crossed, hoping for good news from An Taoiseach and we got great news,” says Carolynne.
“We’ve have a few very uncertain months but everything which happened is completely understandable due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So in the context of people losing loved ones and people fighting for their lives, we were happy to play our part.
“We will continue to play our part when we re-open. The team here at the Shandon is ready to go and very excited about the summer ahead. It’s a boost for the local economy and it’s certainly a boost for staff.”
The hospitality sector will get re-opening guidance from Government and the Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan later this week.
“We have our hotel ready to go under current restrictions and guidance. If they are eased in terms of social distancing and other measures then we are ready to make further changes well in time for June 29,” says Carolynne.
“As soon as Leo Varadkar stopped speaking on Friday our website lit up with bookings and the phone lines were jammed with people wanting to make a booking.
“We are conscious that we work in the hospitality sector so whatever restrictions we face, visitors to this beautiful part of the Wild Atlantic Way will still get the same warm welcome they’ve always received.”
Carolynne says she believes Irish people will support the tourism industry in the months ahead in the possible absence of overseas visitors.
And she says people returning to the Shandon will also see a new resort
“We took advantage of the last few weeks and have re-painted the entire hotel, inside and outside, so the Shandon is like brand new and ready for re-opening,” she says.
“Our deluxe rooms have been completely refurbished as well. They are stunning. We will launch them online next week once we complete our professional photo shoot this week.
“So many people need a break over the summer and we will be here at the end of the month to prove that a Staycation at the Shandon and a holiday at home is really something special.”
For the best rates, always book direct www.shandonhotelspa.com Early booking advised!
