HOTEL bosses have confirmed they will be welcoming customers back for the first time in more than three months from Saturday.

The Holiday Inn in Southend has been given the go ahead from the Government to reopen.

The hotel has been closed to the public since the lockdown began in March and has instead been used to accommodate key workers & NHS staff.

General manager Rohit Singh says his team have been working on new safety measures ahead of the reopening and have also recieved special social distancing training.

He said: "The team and I are thrilled with the plans to re-open tourism & hospitality in Southend, we’ve missed looking after all our new & regular guests over the past few months.

"We’ve used the time productively, as we remained open in support of key workers, and we have already adapted our ways of working, adopting new standards of cleanliness, to ensure we meet our customers’ new expectations.

“To ensure the upmost safety for our guests and staff, we have introduced minimal contact at check-in/check-out, including contactless payment, Perspex screens at contact areas throughout the hotel and sanitisation of room key cards before re-use.

"Social distancing signage is all over the hotel to reinforce the stay apart message and hand sanitiser stations are in place at key locations for our guests”.

Bosses say more time will also be given to cleaning and items such as towels can only be replaced upon request so as to ensure as fewer people as possible are entering rooms.

The hotel bar and restaurant will be open but the classical buffet lunches and sharing platters have been altered.

Mr Singh admits he and his staff have found the last few months "sad" and "difficult".

But he is hopeful the relaxation of the lockdown will give the hospitality industry a much needed boost.

He added: "Going forward weddings and family celebrations will look a little different. But we remain optimistic and we will continue to extend our hospitality even during a global pandemic.

"The health and safety of customers and staff will always be our top priority and that is all that matters”.

More information about the new safety measures being introduced at the hotel can be found at hisouthend.com.