The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many institutions into temporary closure, but it appears the tide is changing. The iconic Belmond Mount Nelson will reopen its doors on December 10, just in time for the festive season.
The historic 121-year-old hotel, which boasts an aesthetically pleasing pink exterior, has been closed to the public since lockdown began in March.
Along with their reopening, the Mount Nelson will offer a range of tempting al fresco dining experiences created by Chef Rudi Liebenberg. From the picnics and afternoon teas they are famed for, to sparkling moments on the Planet Bar terrace, you’re in for an indulgent day.
“We are also reopening our Garden Cottage Suites and a few elegantly appointed rooms with sweeping views of Table Mountain or of our beautiful summery gardens,” they announced on social media.
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The hotel has put in place a number of health and safety procedures, including:
Dedicated In-house Expertise
– All associates receive continuous and comprehensive training on hygiene and cleanliness standards and will undergo further POSI (prevention of spread of infectious disease) training prior to reopening, as well as advanced training specific to their functional area.
– Belmond has established procedures to ensure the regular deep cleaning of its hotels and other properties (including trains and cruises), for example, following a period of seasonal closure. Each property will undergo a deep clean prior to reopening and further specific measures to protect against COVID-19 will be carried out. Once reopened, enhanced cleaning standards will continue to be overseen and regularly reviewed by each property’s dedicated safety management team.
– Additional antibacterial disinfectant products are being supplied across properties and will be regularly used throughout the day to ensure surfaces are clean to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
– These measures are in addition to their already robust hygiene and cleanliness protocols which already mandate good hand hygiene, supplying handwashing facilities, as well as alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and strict guidance on regular hand washing throughout the day.
Enhanced Protocols
– All employees are well-trained to identify the symptoms of COVID-19, and have been instructed not to come to work if they are feeling unwell or had contact with anyone who is suspected or confirmed as having COVID-19.
– As an added precaution, employees will be temperature screened before starting work. If an employee is displaying any symptoms relating to the virus, they will be sent home.
– All guests will be asked to undergo a temperature-check upon arrival and to complete a thorough registration form. If, on arrival, a guest is showing a high temperature, or any other symptoms consistent with COVID-19, they will be asked to travel later and will be cared for in a separate designated room until suitable onward care can be arranged.
Safe and Seamless Service
– Mount Nelson will continue to explore and make use of digital technology so that they can provide a seamless service whilst respecting social distancing requirements at all times. For example, guests who have booked with them direct will be able to complete the check-in process online prior to arrival, restaurant and bar menus will be written on chalkboards or printed on single-use and recyclable material, and housekeeping staff will not enter rooms whilst guests are present. As far as possible, they will automate these fundamental services so that their associates can focus on delivering Belmond’s hallmark warm and personal service.
Picture: Instagram / Belmond Mount Nelson