Due to the unprecedented situation we are all facing, I'd like to personally share with you Staycity Group's latest updates - how we're continuing to protect our team and guests; offering a safe haven to the heroic essential workers tirelessly risking their lives to save ours; and providing guests with whatever peace of mind we can in these worrying times. While there's no denying the severity of the current situation, I am confident we will come through it. And with so many hard lessons learned, the world might just be a better place on the other side.
Providing refuge
Our aparthotels are located centrally across many of Europe's major cities, close to some of the main hospitals where the toughest battles of all are being fought against COVID-19. And while the huge disruption this disease has caused to our industry has forced us to temporarily close some of our properties, we're keeping as many as possible open to provide a home from home for essential workers.
Until May 7th 2020, when the current government restrictions will be reviewed, some of our aparthotels are remaining open to exclusively support essential workers and selected groups as identified by the government. The remainder of our aparthotels are currently available to book for all customers for stays from May 7th 2020 onwards unless current government restrictions are extended.
Health and safety
The well-being, health and safety of our team and guests has always been our top priority, but
we're safeguarding it with even greater care and urgency now.
We are monitoring developments in COVID-19 closely, heeding advice from the World Health Organisation and local authorities, and implementing enhanced procedures to ensure the safest environment possible at our aparthotels. These include:
- Regular team briefings to ensure rigorous implementation of specific COVID-19 risk assessment procedures, including social/physical distancing and enhanced cleaning
- Provision of alcohol-based hand sanitisers and advice on preventing the spread of COVID-19 throughout our properties
- Our breakfast buffets are no longer served, all seating areas are closed, and all food and beverage offerings are now takeaway only. This includes a limited range of breakfast items, freshly ground coffee, soft drinks, beers and wine, along with freshly baked pizzas, snacks and confectionary. However, our guests can still cook in their apartments fully equipped kitchen, or order food in
- All on-site gyms are closed until further notice
Further to this, our teams at each property are fully prepared to act swiftly should there be a case of COVID-19 on the premises. We'll continue to take guidance from the WHO and relevant authorities on all recommended actions and restrictions.
Increased flexibility
I also understand that many of our guests' plans are impacted by COVID-19 - please rest assured we're doing everything we can to assist you here.
I'd like to remind guests who want to book or have already booked directly with us on staycity.com under our 'FREE CANCELLATION' rate that they can cancel their stay at no extra charge up until 12 noon (local time) prior to their arrival date. Also, guests who'd like to book or have already booked directly with us on staycity.com under our 'PAY NOW AND SAVE' rate, you can now change the dates on these bookings at no extra cost. Guests booking via third parties are advised to contact their
booking provider for information on their policies.
If you require any further information, please click here or email us directly at info@staycity.com We're also available to answer questions via our web chat service on staycity.com.
We will continue to review the situation and provide regular updates, and appreciate your support and understanding during this challenging time.
Stay safe, stay strong, stay united, stay hopeful - we will come through this.
Tom Walsh
Chief Executive Officer