No demands for a second breakfast, no Zoom calls interrupted by the toddler shouting ‘I need a wee-wee’, no parcels to sign for. No requests to read Room on the Broom (again), no questions over the need for underwear, no tantrums about Paw Patrol’s volume being turned down. No siblings arguing over a hairband, no delivery van crashing into the garden wall, no ‘little accident’ with glue. And absolutely no home schooling.
For millions of workers the interruptions and distractions of home working has becoming a way of life – but a luxury Fife hotel is offering something much, much better.
Fairmont St Andrews has launched a ‘home office’ concept that allows people to book their own hotel room, at a discounted rate, for an uninterrupted, premium remote working experience.
Hotel operator Accor is offering the service at hundreds of its facilities around Europe.
The firm said: “With our sensational hotel office offer, where you can bring more life into your workday, while still enjoying some of those home comforts.
“A home office away from your home office. Only better. Because why shouldn’t you work in comfort?
“Think welcoming smiles, great coffee, plush sofas, intelligent lighting, fantastic design. Think bars, restaurants, wellbeing and board rooms right there when you need them.”
The initiative follows research conducted by OnePoll that showed many workers are finding it harder to switch off from work because there is no separation from home and the office.
Fairmont St Andrews commercial director Lorraine Garvie said: “The last few months has led to many being forced to work from home, while not all have suitable working spaces and many have family distractions.
“The hotel office enables us to offer home workers a private space without distraction; a space that’s safe, comfortable and comes with all the added benefits of a Fairmont stay.”
People booking the service can reserve their office for nine hours, with a check in from 9am and a check out time of 6pm.
Normal hotel services such as room service will be available.
“Guests will be able to enjoy all the in-room comforts and amenities as well as our public spaces, bars and restaurants in addition to being able to enjoy the spectacular scenery on their coffee breaks,” Ms Garvie added.
“After months of lockdown, a change of scene is just what many British workers need and we’re pleased to be able to offer them that.”
The hotel office service is available in 250 hotels in the UK and a further 70 hotels across Northern Europe, with further expansion of the scheme in Europe expected in the coming weeks.
More information about the hotel office service can be found here.
