SOUTHEND Airport’s Holiday Inn is pleased to have played its part in assisting key workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Although the hotel was given the go-ahead from the Government to re-open its doors to the public for the first time in more than three months in July, it remained operational following the outbreak in March.

Holiday Inn, based on Eastwoodbury Crescent, provided a safe place for key workers such as medical staff and police officers to stay in order to continue working.

The hotel also accommodated some airport staff who were classed as key workers due to their efforts in repatriation and cargo flights to deliver essentials to affected countries.

Rohit Singh, general manager of Southend Airport’s Holiday Inn, said: “From the very beginning, the hotel decided to remain open during the Covid-19 pandemic to support frontline NHS staff and repatriated citizens.

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General manager - Rohit Singh has overseen proceedings at the hotel since 2016

“We were delighted to welcome hundreds of key workers, ensuring they had a safe place to stay and a home-cooked meal during the crisis.

“The team have worked very hard over the past five months, implementing new processes very quickly to welcome customers safely immediately after the lockdown was announced back in March.”

Situated beside Southend Airport, Holiday Inn is a four-star hotel boasting a rooftop restaurant and bar, onsite car parking and event space for up to 150 people.

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Dining with a view - the 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar overlooks Southend Airport’s runway

The hotel opened in 2012, following the expansion of Southend Airport, offering a base for business travellers, tourists and passengers.

Spacious rooms offer free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, smart TVs and 24-hour room service, while guests can also collect IHG Reward Club points during their stay.

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The hotel has been awarded the Visit England We’re Good to Go kitemark and the Southend Safe Stay certificate for hygiene and safety standards.

The AA Rosette 1935 Rooftop Restaurant & Bar offers traditional British food with an extensive wine list.

Mr Singh, who was promoted to general manager in 2016, added: “The rooftop restaurant and bar is especially popular for family celebrations as the open plan layout and airport runway views are truly unique to our area. Although things have slowed down since the pandemic, we have seen some green shoots with visitors returning to Southend for their staycation.”

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