The Beach Hotel Downings has come under fire for an offer that would allow locals to book a room in the hotel so that they could then be considered residents and dine indoors.
A poster shared to the hotel Facebook page advertised the offer. It reads:
"Adhering to Government guidelines from Saturday 26th of September we are open for residents only and 15 non-residents outside.
Why stay out in the cold??
Spoil your self dine indoors, rent one of our rooms and avail of our food and beverage services. Our rooms are currently available to rent for an allotted time - €2 per person sharing all weekend!!!"
Hotel staff have since amended the post, adding a disclaimer at the top to inform the public that the offer is "no longer available". Subject to widespread criticism for the offer, the hotel has now issued an apology for the offer. A statement from the hotel reads:
"We would like to apologise for any unintentional offence caused by our local offer issued yesterday on Facebook.
The offer was aimed at people locally in the Downings area. Our intention was that no one would be using the bedrooms; it was merely a method to allow customers to become residents for a maximum period of 1 hour 45 minutes in line with government regulations, so they could avail of our dining and beverage services indoors.
Government guidance allows only residents to be served inside and up to 15 non-residents outside. The offer was based on our interpretation of this guidance."
Later adding that it was a way for them to remain in operation so they could "recoup" costs, the team believe that, if anything, the offer has highlighted the current stress facing the hospitality industry.
"While it was never our intention to cause offence, we like the other hotels, bars and restaurants in Donegal were left in an impossible position."
Header image via Facebook/Beach Hotel Downings
