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Back to a 'new normal'

Back to a 'new normal'
General

A challenging time

Recent months have been challenging and in many ways ‘life changing’ for everyone – especially us ‘Ways’! - Being forced to stop and re-evaluate lifestyle and priorities - a valuable lesson for some. I expect other people may identify with me in remembering times in our busy and complicated lives when we thought how good it would be to say ‘Stop the world – I want to get off’ – to make time stand still and allow us to catch up with everything we that we want to do and just don’t have the time or energy for! Suddenly lots of opportunities to achieve all the jobs that always get side-lined miraculously appeared with the lockdown period but so did the glorious weather and that was the downfall of my many good intentions! It was so easy to ‘make the most of the sunny day’ - all those boring indoor jobs could wait for the day that weather changed!

Back to the 'real world'

After this unprecedented ‘holiday’ , and faced with a situation that so often felt like ‘the blind leading the blind’, July came and we were all catapulted back into the ‘real world’ which was suddenly a different world to the one before the word ‘Covid’ became part of everyday language.

There were so many things to think about prior to re-opening the 2 hotels and it suddenly seemed a daunting prospect– the Luttrell Arms had never been ‘closed’ before that anyone could remember and so ‘starting from scratch’ was something of a shock – very few forward bookings as everything had been cancelled –absolutely no food in stock - so many questions and so few answers.

A cautious re-opening

After being given the greenlight, we decided not to rush but to wait at least a week before re-opening to see what others were doing (That didn’t work as maybe they were waiting to learn from us!) and how busy we could expect to be initially. Most staff were very keen to get back to work having been on ‘Furlough’ but others were not so confident – the whole complicated process of ‘unfurloughing’ everyone and get them back to work was undertaken by our clever and long suffering Becky and there were endless ‘risk assessments’, staff training in new cleaning and service procedures, special PPE equipment to buy, signage, screens etc to organise and fit and many days of intensive cleaning everywhere.

However, both big days finally arrived and both hotels opened and we were confident and greatly encouraged by the enthusiastic support that we received from so many of our wonderful loyal customers.

Good times to come...

We have now been open for 2 months – our new policy of giving resident hotel guests more space and several separate ‘ residents only’ priority areas is proving very popular and guests have been returning enthusiastically to both Porlock Weir, and sister hotel, The Luttrell Arms in Dunster.

Hopefully we can now look forward to the Autumn/winter season when in addition to the usual cosy nights by log fires our guests expect they will enjoy the new winter treats we have planned. In fact why not look at our latest package, our Exmoor Staycation. You get to enjoy two nights with us, dinner on your first night – you can sample Miguel’s seasonal menus, then you can explore the beauty of Exmoor in the Autumn and treat yourself to a cream tea.

Hope to see you soon!

What our guests say...

Great Location, Great Service, Excellent Food, Lovely People!

Ideal quality hotel in Exmoor with excellent food, views across the water to Wales, Dunkery Beacon and Culbone Church within reach for walks. The staff are great, very helpful, comfortable top-floor room looking over the harbour. Comfortable beds, excellent linen. What's not to like?...
Tripadvisor Review

Excellent

We stayed at the Porlock Weir hotel for 2 nights in September 2024. Excellent hotel and welcoming staff. Very dog friendly hotel. We had two evening meals. Wonderful food. The room and communal areas are very comfortable and Porlock Weir is a lovely location to have a wander round....
Tripadvisor Review

Can’t Wait To Go Again!

Everything! Rooms clean, comfortable. Staff friendly. Restaurant superb! Lovely sitting relaxing areas and a library and gardens....
Booking.com Review

Sunday lunch

We had Sunday Roast sitting outside by the harbour wall. The food was delicious, service really good too. A great view of the bay. Good choice of drinks including local cider. Really good value tasty meal which is difficult to find. We were too full for a desert but had a good cup of coffee instead as were too relaxed to move....
Tripadvisor Review

Perfect Short Break

Our first visit but certainly it won't be our last. We stayed in a room at the front overlooking the harbour and it was just perfect. The staff couldn't have been more helpful and friendly and the food was super. We've already recommended it to other friends....
Tripadvisor Review

A Luxurious & Welcoming Stay in a Beautiful Location

Beautiful location, the staff were very helpful, friendly and attentive. The facilities were clean and furnished to a high standard...
Booking.com Review

Would Recommend to Anyone Wanting a Good Hotel & Location

Food was excellent, especially the fresh whole fish. Chef certainly was very good. Staff were very cheerful and friendly. Great view from room overlooking the harbour and room was great....
Booking.com Review

Relaxing Stay Next to the Sea

The Hotel is in a beautiful location opposite the harbour at Porlock Weir with lovely sea views. The team at reception were really helpful and friendly. Our room was clean and comfortable with nice views. The shower was great and the WiFi worked well. Dinner and Breakfast in the restaurant were excellent with views of the sea....
Booking.com Review

Peaceful & Relaxing

The food was amazing...good menu choice, beautifully cooked and presented and piping hot. The staff are friendly, helpful and nothing is too much trouble. Would we return ...you bet!!. Thank you....
Tripadvisor Review
Our Awards and Suppliers

We are spoilt with an abundance of local suppliers and take great pride in hand selecting the best that the region has to offer. Here are just a few of our local suppliers and the awards we have won...

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