Are hotels open today in the UK?
The hospitality industry suffered a major blow during lockdown with businesses up and down the country remaining shut for months on end.
From July 4, hotels will be allowed to open again.
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When are hotels opening in the UK?
On June 23, Boris Johnson announced that hotels in England will be able to open from July 4.
The Prime Minister said: "From 4th July, provided that no more than two households stay together, people will be free to stay overnight in self-contained accommodation, including hotels and bed & breakfasts, as well as campsites as long as shared facilities are kept clean."
Big hotel names such as The Dorchester have been preparing to open their doors again from July 4 depending on lockdown regulations.
Social distancing measures will alter how hotels can operate, with no minibars, limited menus, no buffets and common areas being closed.
Guesthouses will also demand the mandatory use of masks.
Hotels will also be limited to table service with plenty of space between tables.
They are also likely to be accepting fewer guests in an effort to maintain social distancing.
Check out times may be earlier and check in times could be later, due to the fact thorough cleaning must take place in between the departure and arrival of guests.
High-touch items are likely to be removed from rooms and public spaces and plexi-glass screens may be in place.
Which companies/branches have opened?
Premier Inn
Premier Inn hotels have opened in England and Northern Ireland. They will open in Wales from July 13 and in Scotland from July 15.
Its in-house restaurants and bars will be opening throughout July and the plan is to have them all open by August.
For now they are serving £4.99 breakfast boxes and kids will still eat free.
Travelodge
Selected hotels have been open to support key workers throughout the lockdown period and all customers have now been welcomed to make bookings to stay at in Travelodge rooms from today.
Hotels in Wales and Scotland remain closed until mid-July in line with government advice.
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When can we travel again in the UK?
According to new recently relaxed guidelines, people “may drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance, so long as they respect social distancing guidance".
But “when traveling to outdoor spaces, it is important that people respect the rules in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland and do not travel to different parts of the UK where it would be inconsistent with guidance or regulations issued by the relevant devolved administration.”
This does stop all ideas of long weekends away or staying somewhere overnight - but it does imply that you can take your children or members of your own household out on day trips to the beach, countrysides or national parks for example. As long as you all abide by the strict social distancing rule laid out by the government.
Before you start packing up your picnic baskets there does seem to be a slight roadblock.
The National Trust, for example, has closed all its car parks as well as its parks and gardens, so until these types of restrictions change - people will have to wait a little longer before they are able to enjoy the nation's new freedoms in full.