HOTEL: HYATT REGENCY THE CHURCHILL, LONDON

THE HOTEL This five-star 440-room hotel in Portman Square, managed by Hyatt for the last 16 years, turned 50 last year but the planned celebrations were scuppered by the pandemic.

COVID STRATEGY The hotel has been awarded GBAC (Global Biorisk Advisory Council) STAR facility accreditation, regarded the gold standard for outbreak prevention, response and recovery and part of Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment.

THE CHECK-IN Doorman and two reception staff, all wearing masks, took my bags and directed me to a machine to check my temperature (similar to an airport biometric passport check). All approved, I checked in at the screened reception desk. I was told the restaurants and bar were closed due to lockdown restrictions but full room service was available.

THE ROOM My Regency Executive Suite (room 345) was super spacious (58 square metres), with a living room large sofa, coffee table and work space, leading to a bedroom with an enormous king-size bed. A large ensuite bathroom had a bath, large walk-in shower and a Japanese-style toilet. Remote controls for the two 42” flatscreen HDTVS were wrapped in plastic for Covid hygiene, mini-bar items had been removed and a packet of antibacterial wipes was provided.

THE BUSINESS Wifi was free, fast and easy to access. The desk in my suite was huge, although I was a little disappointed there were no in-built power sockets, which meant a bit of scrambling around to find floor-level sockets nearby. Last autumn the hotel opened a fabulous new Churchill Residential Suite, with a full office space, modelled on Sir Winston Churchill’s own office, and with two terraces with rooftop views.

THE FACILITIES Sadly, the gym, bars and restaurants are were all closed due to Covid. Instead, I went for a run around Hyde Park and ordered from the room service menu. My rib eye steak was perfectly cooked and breakfast was equally as good, particularly the ice-cold fresh fruit salad.

THE VERDICT Every consideration had been given to Covid and I had no concerns about my health and safety.

THE DETAILS 30 Portman Square, Marylebone, London W1H 7BH. hyattregencylondon.com

Nightly rates from £218, room only. Day rates start from £120.

EVERY CONSIDERATION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO COVID AND I HAD NO SAFETY

CONCERNS