Hotels prepare for quarantine measures as 15 February touted as start date

Hotels are preparing for the government’s new policy of enforced quarantine, details of which have yet to be confirmed by ministers.

The government is continuing to work through the implementation plan, with Accor and OYO Hotels among the groups gearing up to take in travellers.

Critics have accused ministers of dragging their feet over the plan, which was announced last week without any details of how it will work or how much travellers will be asked to pay.

Arrivals from 33 ‘red list’ countries, including UK residents, will be forced to self-isolate in designated hotels from a date yet to be determined.

Reports emerged this morning that hotel quarantine won’t start until 15 February. The government would not confirm a date, stating it would start ‘as soon as possible’. 

OYO Hotels, which has 250 UK hotels, said: "OYO Hotels is ready to work with the government to provide accommodation in line with the new protocols.  With over 250 hotels across the UK, we are well placed to provide convenient, affordable, sanitised accommodation for these purposes.

"Throughout the pandemic OYO has worked closely with our hotel partners to keep properties open for those requiring accommodation.  Through our ‘Here To Help’ campaign, we have been committed to supporting key workers and communities and have provided over 200,000 room nights for essential workers and public sector partners.

"We look forward to continuing to provide interim accommodation for those who need it over the challenging weeks ahead and hope to work with the government to meet this need."

The company claimed it has maintained overall occupancy levels above the industry average over the past year.

Accor said it could use its experience in Australia to house travellers who are forced to quarantine.

"Our hotels are ready to support the government’s quarantine plan in order to enable safe travel for Brits and international tourists in these challenging Covid times," a spokesperson said.

"We are available to help implement the need for safe travel just as we have done in other countries, particularly in Australia which followed a similar approach. Our priority remains the health and safety of our guests and hotel teams."