Nobody can say that 2020 was uneventful. Despite unexpected closures and changes for both our guests and team, we still managed to bank plenty of happy memories across the year. Our 2020 reflections take a look back at some of the wonderful Loch Melfort Hotel moments of 2020 ….
Early Daffodils
We enjoyed a bright start to the year when Daffodils emerged early in February.
A visiting Bridge Club met at Loch Melfort Hotel in early March
Remember the good old days when you could invite 20 people into your Bistro to play bridge and nobody would bat an eyelid? So do we!
Well wishes as we locked down
As we closed our doors on the 23rd March, we received some lovely messages from guests wishing us well.
A socially distanced visit from the Easter Bunny
When three of our team were furloughed and left unable to get home, we upgraded them to our guest bedrooms so they could enjoy the hotel grounds as visitors. And, despite lockdown, not even Covid-19 could stop the Easter Bunny from paying a visit to our hotel this year. He left tasty treats to lift everyone’s spirits and spread a bit of seasonal cheer. It even made the news! You can find the article here.
Everything was bloomin’ beautiful during Spring
As the hotel cherry blossoms made way for bluebells, we took time to remind ourselves just how lucky we were to be in such a beautiful, remote, Highland spot during lockdown.
It was time for a makeover in June
With the promise of re-opening on the table, we decided it was time for a fresh lick of paint. Scotland noticed we were in need of some vitamin D, and sent us scorching temperatures and sun-filled days to spur us on.
A welcome re-opening in July
We couldn’t wait to re-open and welcome guests back to the hotel on the 15th July. Our first priority was the safety of our guests and team. A pre-opening staff training programme was organised to ensure everyone felt confident about their responsibilities and we were delighted to be accredited with Visit Scotland’s #GoodToGo certificate.
As part of our commitment to the environment (and following feedback from loyal guests), we revealed our new E-car charge points. Loch Melfort Hotel can now be found on the official Charge Place Scotland map.
Right at the end of July, our Front of House Manager Alison took a little bit of time out to get married to her partner Thomas. Despite having to trade in their large celebration for an intimate garden wedding, we were delighted to see the one of our team enjoy a happy 2020 occasion.
Artmap Argyll in August
As our little country encouraged Scots to travel and support local, we continued to host our part of the annual Artmap Argyll event. Local artist Karen Beauchamp held a live studio exhibit in our lounge, allows visitors to enjoy their coffee whilst learning a little more about Karen’s techniques and inspirations.
August was also a month of awards, and following a COVID-19 risk assessment, we were awarded Quality in Tourism’s Safe, Clean & Legal Accreditation. And, that’s not all! We were also featured in Wild About Argyll’s ‘Going the Extra Mile’ Special Edition magazine. The one-off publication celebrated all of Argyll’s top tourism stops, showcasing those striving to create a safe, welcoming experience post-lockdown.
TV royalty spent the day at Loch Melfort Hotel in September
To say our team were excited to welcome Joanna Lumley OBE to the hotel would be an understatement. It was a pleasure to meet the TV icon and she was just ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS to our team.
We warmed our cockles on the new fire pit in October
As Scotland was forced to tighten lockdown rules once again, our team got creative and came up with new ways for guests to experience the Scottish Highlands. Our new cosy fire pit was an instant hit, and guests enjoyed alfresco drinks whilst watching orange sunsets go down across Asknish Bay.
We played host to an elopement in November
In November, we had to make the difficult decision to shut our doors due to ongoing travel restrictions. However, before they closed to guests for winter, we were able to enjoy a beautiful, peaceful day by celebrating the elopement of Tamsin and David. It was joy to finish off the ceremony with cake and treats created by our Chef Jos.
We celebrated the local community in December and enjoyed some lovely Winter weather
Whilst our team worked on a special Spring Offer 2021 offer for our guests, they also wanted to look at ways to support local businesses that rely on Christmas 2020 sales. For Small Business Saturday, we pulled together a list of local (and amazing) businesses that do a little dance every time you shop with them.
Christmas Eve brought some gorgeous sunshine and we are currently enjoying the stunning view of snow covered mountains on the Isle of Mull.
We remain hopeful for a 2021 that feels a little more ‘normal’. 2020 is going out with a bang! We look forward to celebrating with you all next year.
We want to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has supported us and sent their well wishes.
