Travelodge in Northampton keeps doors open for NHS workers and rough sleepers during pandemic

Michelle Bates, 35, started working for Travelodge six years ago and knows three sites in Northampton like the back of her hand.

Namely the hotels in Wootton and Round Spinney before she went on to become the hotel manager at Gold Street, one of very few hotels throughout the country that has remained open during the pandemic just for key workers.

Michelle is now classed as a 'Covid Critical' worker by hotel bosses and has been looking after NHS staff at Northampton General Hospital and the town's rough sleeping community.

She said: "They are checking in throughout the day and night and our mission is to ensure that they have a comfortable stay and a get a good sleep and leave our hotel feeling revitalised."

Two teams are working round-the-clock to man the front desk seven days a week and each day Michelle gives a daily briefing to her team on social distancing and how to keep safe.

It comes as the hotel has fitted perspex screens on the reception desk, has made staff wear gloves and masks and keep a healthy stock on hand sanitiser within all areas of the hotel.

She added: "At Travelodge, we love a challenge but this one is a mammoth one and we have embraced it as working as one team with dedication and passion to succeed and deliver our best service. We love going the extra mile and putting a smile on our customers faces.

"The biggest challenge is keep everyone's spirits up. You have to come to work with an extra burst of energy to ensure team morale is high.

"We are operating in unprecedented and in uncertain times. This is very tough. We have to keep positive, be safe and focus on moving ahead – it’s the only way to beat this horrendous virus and keep a sense of normality."

Northampton's Gold Street hotel is one of the 50 Travelodges still keeping their doors open while the firm awaits Government guidance on when it can reopen the rest of it's hotels.

She added: "We felt it was important to support our critical workers as best as we can. Therefore we are currently operating around 50 hotels in locations across the UK, providing accommodation for critical workers such as the NHS workforce and the less vulnerable during these unprecedented times.

"These Travelodge hotels are located in major cities and towns running from Plymouth to Aberdeen.

"This includes 20 Travelodge hotels close to major hospitals, including the new Nightingale London hospital to support NHS workers.

"In addition, we are supporting around 30 local councils around the country by providing accommodation for the vulnerable."