Many are now offering free city centre accommodation to critical front line workers
In the face of the sudden drop off in tourism and the devastating effect the escalating coronavirus crisis has had on the hospitality sector, a number of prominent hotels around Manchester city centre have kept their doors open. Many have demonstrated their generosity by accommodating NHS employees and other essential workers such as the police force and the regions emergency services.
Hotels including the Stock Exchange, Hotel Football and Native Manchester are offering free stays to all NHS employees, including medical professionals and healthcare workers, in order to provide them with somewhere comfortable to stay during these challenging times.
Native Manchester is an apart hotel; therefore, all rooms have fully fitted kitchens, meaning guests are able to live comfortably and self-isolate in between shifts. Rooms are available free of charge for all NHS staff, as well as the Greater Manchester Police.
Jacqui Griffiths, General Manager at Native Manchester said: “Like many other hospitality businesses in Manchester, we’ve had to make some significant changes in the way we operate, as a result of COVID-19.
“Although we are closed to normal staying guests, we have been immensely privileged to have helped the NHS accommodate some of their critical front-line workers.
“Utilising our self-contained apartments has provided the best way to ensure the safety of both them and our staff.
“We’re hugely proud of their dedication and commitment, so this is our way of giving back and showing our appreciation.”
Many hotels, including The Lowry, have also donated surgical gloves to the NHS to help bolster their supplies of personal protective equipment.
The Manchester Hoteliers’ Association are working hard to produce care packages containing non-perishable foods, toiletries, blankets, chargers and other essential goods. The packages are being dropped off at the Lowry Hotel on Wednesday 2nd April and will be distributed to both the NHS and homeless community.
Adrian Ellis, Chairman of the Manchester Hoteliers’ Association and General Manager at The Lowry Hotel said: “Whilst this is a difficult time for all of us, and the hospitality industry as a whole, it is more important than ever that we pull together and help one another.
“We are living through strange and unprecedented times and we must support the key workers on the front line, as well as the most vulnerable members of society.
“As an association, we are doing everything within our power to support the community during this challenging period and wish to help in any way we are able to.”
