Claridge’s to give free bedrooms to NHS workers

London’s iconic Claridge’s hotel is to opening up its bedrooms for NHS workers to stay during the Covid-19 crisis, with the first batch of hospital staff due to move in tomorrow.

[As reported in Boutique Hotelier]

Staff at the luxury hotel in Mayfair are returning to work today to look after the new guests, with up to 40 doctors, nurses and other key staff from St Mary’s Hospital in Paddington given free accommodation as well as breakfast and dinner.

Kitchen staff from The Connaught and The Berkeley, the other properties within the Maybourne Group which owns Claridge’s, are also contributing by making meals for NHS Staff, delivered by the Helpforce charity.

Most staff are expected to stay at the hotel for up to a fortnight, with the number of staff staying at Claridge’s set to increase over the next few days.

Speaking to The Standard, Paddy McKillen, co-owner of the Maybourne Group, which runs Claridge’s, said: “Just as it has in the past world wars, Claridge’s has a duty to step up and support the people of London. Teams from all our hotels have volunteered to help and support the dedicated NHS workers at this critical time. We are forever in their debt.”

Claridge’s closed last week for the first time in its 208-year history as part of the national lockdown.