Sevenoaks based hotel company explains decision to temporarily close its doors

Julia Hands, the CEO of Handpicked Hotels, whose head office is in The Drive in Sevenoaks, has sent out a message to all their customers explaining why they have made the decision to temporarily close their hotels all over the UK, including the Brands Hatch Place Hotel & Spa (pictured).

The letter said...

Dear valued guests, loyalty members and friends of Hand Picked Hotels

Our wonderful guests and loyal and valued team members are at the heart of everything that we do. We thank you wholeheartedly for the trust you place in us and the support you have shown, especially in the last few weeks as we have navigated through these unprecedented circumstances.  The health, safety and wellbeing of all our team members and guests is always our number one priority.

Following the announcement from the UK Government on Friday, and the recommendations for everyone to maintain safe distances to keep well, we have taken the decision to temporarily close our hotels. I write this with great sadness given the disappointment and impact this will have on so many. However, it is absolutely the right step to take as we all play our part in trying to overcome this.

For almost 20 years, ‘family’ and ‘local engagement’ have remained core to the values of Hand Picked Hotels and we are committed to looking after our teams and our guests who are affected by this decision. Operationally it may take a few days to wind down completely, but our teams are working hard to reach their local communities with supplies of food and produce until our final guests depart. Our teams are also working incredibly hard to respond to the questions and queries from guests with future reservations, and we thank you for the patience you have shown during this exceptionally busy time. Please visit our website for more information and advice regarding your booking and we will continue to respond as soon as possible.

Finally, thank you once again for your unwavering support.  I have received many messages of encouragement and positive comments from our local communities which are invaluable.  It is our aim to re-open our hotels as soon as it is practical and safe to do so, and at that stage we very much look forward to welcoming you back to Hand Picked Hotels.

In the meantime, please stay in touch with us via social media, and regularly check your inbox for news and updates as we continue to stay connected and in conversation with you all.

With warmest wishes,

Julia Hands

Chairman & CEO

Hand Picked Hotels