It’s been a long time since we are locked indoors. We just couldn’t wait for the world to heal soon and return back to our daily chores. As India is already in the Unlock 2.0 phase, and all the tourist spots have started opening, so the Hotels are now gearing up with their safety measures to welcome their guests for a safe and sound stay. So recently we visited Howard Johnson to spend a relaxing weekend with my friends and I am going to pen down here my experience of the staycation.

SAFETY PROTOCOLS:

Before you enter the hotel, there are some newly introduced safety protocols through which you need to pass. DO NOT FORGET TO WEAR A MASK. Remember, NO MASK, NO ENTRY!

At the Entrance:

1. You would be given sanitiser in your hand and would be asked to keep your phone or anything that is in your hand in a tray for sanitisation as well.
2. Nextly they would do a thermal checkup with a thermal gun thermometer.
3. They would sanitise your bags and luggages as well.
4. They would check if you have the Aarogya Setu app installed in your smartphone,

At the Reception:

1. You would be asked to fill a form where you need to fill up all your details including your travel history. Also they are even keeping the pens in the desk separately for the customer to pick it up themselves and use it, post which even the pen would undergo the sanitisation process.
2. You need to deposit your id proof in a tray, which they will sanitise first before considering them for verification.
3. The reception area has demarcated lines for the customers which are 6 metres apart, in order to maintain the social distancing norms.
4. You need to log in to the Aarogya Setu App and input your health details, and show them your current status, “You are safe”
5. The digital key cards were well sanitised before being handed over to us.

Hygiene Standards are well maintained by all of the staffs as well. They were wearing masks, face shields and gloves while serving the customers. Also there is a 24 hour vacancy between guests in order to properly sanitise and clean the room.

HOTEL AMENITIES:

Due to post covid situation, some of the below mentioned services might be restricted.

• Airport pickup and drop Shuttle service
• Business Centre
• Meeting/ Conference and Banquet Facilities
• Gym/ Workout Room
• Secured Parking lot for cars/buses
• Restaurants
• 24 hour Front desk
• Laundry and Dry Cleaning Service
• Pet Friendly

ROOMS:

Room Categories with Tariff:

1. Deluxe Room, Non-Smoking/Smoking Room with 1 Queen Bed/2 Twin Beds : Starting from INR 2759 per night.
2. Premier Room, Non- Smoking/Smoking Room with 1 Queen Bed/2 Twin Beds: Starting from INR 3759 per night.
3. Junior Suite, Non-Smoking/Smoking: Starting from INR 6652 per night.

NOTE: These rates are subject to changes. Please check their websites for the latest rate or any further updates/ discounts on these tariffs as well.

DINING ARRANGEMENT:

• Post Covid Situation, the Dining Hall which Nearly Accommodated previously more than 35 people have now a space for only 25. All the tables are kept atleast 3 metres apart.
• Buffet meals are currently restricted and the food is being provided to you at the comfort of your room. in a lunchbox system.
• Digitalised menu card is available which you need to scan in order to get the menu.
• Complimentary Breakfast is available with each booking. You have the option to choose between English breakfast, Bengali breakfast or a South- Indian one.
• The food was cooked maintaining WHO’s standards of safety food protocols.

Our Staycation Experience and Room Amenities:

• We stayed at a Deluxe, Non- Smoking Room with 2 Twin Beds.
• Our room was in the 6th Floor which meant a mesmerising view from the window. The clouds seemed to be floating just near us.
• The room was soundproofed, enough spacious and provided with a Large Study Desk with a Lamp, a Sofa and a Tea table. A mini fridge was also provided.
• There was an in-room closet which had an ironing board provided with an iron. The closet also had a password protected locker inside to keep your valuables.
• A full length mirror to click that ootd.
• High speed Wifi was available along with an HDTV
• Needless to mention that the rooms were Air-conditioned with an inbuilt Temperature control system which didn’t make the room extra chilled.
• Premium Toiletries were provided immediately after checking into the room which comprised of shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body lotion, soap, shaving kit, shower cap were provided with a new inclusion in it, i.e., Hand Sanitiser. Apart from that, hair dryer was also available in the bathroom.
• Cups, Glassware, Coffee/Tea maker was also provided along with coffee/tea, sugar, milk powder sachets.
• 24X7 Room service available.

NOTE: Check in time is 2:00 p.m and Check out time is 12:00 p.m

Food Experience:

LUNCH:

• Separate lunch boxes with Egg Fried Rice, Mutton Curry, Chicken Curry, Plain Rice and Dal.
• Sweets and Mishti Doi was provided as dessert.

BREAKFAST:

• American Breakfast which comprised of sausages, bacon, scrambled eggs and Brown bread.
• Bengali Breakfast which comprised of Luchi with Cholar Daal.
• South- Indian Breakfast which comprised of Idli/Dosa with Chutney and Sambhar.

NOTE: As the Breakfast was complimentary, you need to choose any ONE of the above mentioned platters.

Overall it was a really nice stay at the hotel. The staffs here are very cordial and are always ready to help. Remember our safety starts from us at first, so wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, wear a face shield and sanitize your hands every now and then. So stay hygienic, stay safe, enjoy your vacations/staycations, and give all your worries to Howard Johnson, Kolkata regarding the safe stay. You really wouldn’t be disappointed!