Covid-19
As you will appreciate the recent Coronavirus pandemic has had a dramatic impact on the hospitality industry but we are now in a position to welcome you back to Simonsbath House and hope you have a most enjoyable stay within Exmoor National Park.
We have had to introduce special guidance to ensure the safety of both guests and staff as we enter the new normal and want to reassure you that the changes should ensure you are able to relax during your stay at Simonsbath House. In addition to this welcome letter there is also attached a letter giving more details of the arrangements in place.
CANCELLATION:
We have amended our cancellation policy to allow greater flexibility and peace of mind should you wish to change your plans.
Bookings may be cancelled or transferred up to 48hrs before your arrival date with no charge.
Credit card payment will be taken after this date but prior to your arrival.
Should the holiday become unavailable due to change in government policy there will be no charge.
Please note that we reserve the right to change the dates of your reservation or offer you a full refund if we are unable to fulfil your booking in complying with government guidelines. Should you be unable to fulfil the booking due to any of your party exhibiting symptoms or having had a positive test for COVID 19 within 14 days of your proposed arrival the booking will be deemed to be cancelled and no charge made.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE:
Our updated cleaning policy begins with the removal of all unnecessary items from your accommodation – please let us know if you need anything extra during your stay and, if possible, we will arrange it for you. We will be leaving a full 24 hours between bookings to allow for cleaning and sanitizing of each room.
All used items are removed from the room after a guest leaves, such as bedding and towels. Next, the team performs a full clean of the room and bathroom including vacuuming the carpet, mopping floors and wiping down all surfaces with hospital-grade cleaners. Additionally the furnishings, carpet and bed will be disinfected using a virucidal grade cleaner, or left unoccupied for 72 hours (the product we use is Envirosafe which, whilst meeting the required level of disinfectant, is more environmentally friendly and food-safe). High touch areas such as all switches, electronic controls, handles and knobs are also included together with all bathroom surfaces, the telephone and the TV remote control.
After the room is thoroughly cleaned, we replace the towels and make up the bed with fresh pillows and duvets and freshly laundered linens. Finally, our housekeeper verifies the room has been cleaned in accordance with our cleaning protocol and will complete a checklist of all stages of the process. The checklist will be left in the proom for your information so on your arrival, you’ll have complete peace of mind that the room is clean and ready for your stay.
In addition whilst Covid-19 is still present in the general population we will introduce the following arrangements to minimise personal contact and maintain social distancing:
All booking details to be completed by email or telephone.
Payment to be taken by credit card without you needing to be present – please note that all credit card details are only retained for the duration of your stay under PCI DSS Compliance guidelines.
Please note to offer greater flexibility we have extended check in time, which is now from 2pm to 8pm. Please contact us with an estimated time of arrival and as per the below guidance if you are not displaying any symptoms of Covid-19, your room will be unlcoked shortly before you arrive with your sanitised key left inside for you.
If you or any one in your household or travelling party exhibit any of the symptoms of Covid 19, namely a recent onset of a continuous cough or high temperature or a loss of, or change in, normal sense of taste or smell, or if you have been in contact with anyone in the past 14 days who has exhibited symptoms, or if you have been contacted by Track and Trace and told to self-isolate you may not stay in the property.
DURING YOUR STAY:
At present we are letting the hotel accommodation on a room only basis but please advise us, if you haven’t already done so if you would like breakfast and dinner during your stay.
There will always be a member of our staff on site, who can be contacted in the event of an emergency or should you need assistance:
If during your stay you experience any of the symptoms of Covid-19, or, are asymptomatic but declare the need to self-isolate, you must advise us immediately.
In accordance with government guidelines you will be advised to check out immediately and return home to self-isolate. If, however, you experience acute symptoms, have breathing difficulties, or if you believe life is at potential risk, seek medical help immediately. We will then take the necessary steps to contact NHS Inform for further advice on what action to take in the event of a known or suspected case of Covid-19 within the premises.
Telephone – A phone is available in the room – calls charged to your credit card at the end of your stay at standard BT tariff. Please dial 9 for an outside line
Mobile Phone – A new mast has recently been installed and if you are on EE, in particular, you may be able to get mobile phone signal
Internet connection – We are pleased to offer free internet connection throughout the main building and in all rooms although as a wireless air band service the broadband connection can sometimes fluctuate so please be patient.
Access Point: Simonsbath_Guest Password: Simonsbath
Although the experience on Exmoor will be very different as we move out of lockdown we are fortunate that in addition to many local attractions, pubs, and cafes, there are many open spaces across moorland, river valleys, coastal views and glorious sandy beaches
We would like to take the opportunity to highlight some of the services that may be of interest to you during your stay:
Walking Routes – please contact us by phone or email if you would like information on any walks or please
Check on the website links below. Unfortunately route cards for walks and OS maps are not available for loan during the current Covid pandemic.
Dark Skies -You may be aware that Exmoor National Park is now the first Dark Skies Reserve in the country and as such allows visitors unpolluted views of our night skies, information on Dark Sky Discovery and a star gazing guide are available on line as we are currently unable to lend guides. https://gostargazing.co.uk/regions/exmoor-dark-sky-reserve/
Useful Website links:
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/exmoor-visitor-map
https://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/enjoying/walking
https://www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/categories/things-to-do
https://www.thebestofexmoor.co.uk/blog/tag/exmoor-circular-walk/
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186255-Activities-Exmoor_National_Park_England.html
http://www.whatsonexmoor.co.uk/exmoor_general_interest_attractions.ht
If you have your dog with you on this visit please make sure he/she is kept under strict control at all times, dogs are not permitted on the furniture or beds and can be left in the room at the owners risk. All damage must be paid for and will be charged to the credit card held for the booking.
FINALLY ON DEPARTURE:
On your departure day check out time is 11am and please follow the procedures below:
Open the windows to allow the room to be fully ventilated
Please leave the key in the basket at reception.
Check carefully that you have taken all your belongings as we will not be able to return lost property at this time.
Apologies for the raft of additional information and guidance but hope that you understand this is necessary to keep both you and our staff safe during your stay. We hope the current pandemic won’t detract from you enjoying a relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable break.
Thank you for choosing Simonsbath House, we would like to offer you a 15% loyalty discount on our standard room and cottage rates for any future bookings (excluding special offer periods).
Yours sincerely
Andrew & Louise Flagg