Premiere Inn website states they're re-opening to the public from 26th May | Is this legal?

Autumn868

On Premiere Inn's website they state they will be re-opening their hotels to the public from 26th May onwards...
However today Boris announced that hotels cannot open until 1st July.

But so how can Premiere Inn legally be opening on 26th May?
Or are they just lying, to get people to book & pay, only to then say they aren't gonna be opening due to government saying they're not allowed to?

lisyloo

Maybe it was a mistake or they’ve been mis informed and it changed?

DCFC79

I expect that date will be changed on PI website.

Thrugelmir

The web page guys are probably taking the day off. Give them a break. 

Autumn868

They've had that as the published date on their website for a week now.

If they don't change it, would it be safe (in late May) to book a room there for early June?

Sooler

Just a test example - York a few hotels taking bookings in May ...

PI taking bookings from May 26

Travelodge taking bookings from May 30

The Grand taking bookings from May 18

Hilton taking bookings from June 1st

Streaky_Bacon

There are several possible factors at play here, including:

1) Hotels have never actually been required to be closed and can offer accommodation in a very limited range of cases (including people unable to return to their main residence and non-UK nationals unable to travel home). In many cases, business that have always been able to open (such as DIY stores) have still taken the decision to remain closed, and are only now starting to reopen.

2) As the OP suggested, it could be that they have the expectation of restrictions being lifted early, and wish to offer booking, knowing that they may have to cancel

3) It could be a mistake or internal miscommunication

Sea_Shell

I would have thought it would depend on what they are actually offering.   Room only?    Obviously the restaurants/pubs attached (or within) would have to remain closed, so no breakfast offerings available (unless they offer those box style jobbies).    Surely it's relatively easy for staff to maintain social distancing, and they would need to increase their cleaning regime somewhat, with longer changeover periods, but that should be doable if they're only 1/4 full for example.    Keep rooms "fallow" for a number of days between guests.    I think i'd be wanting to take my own pillows though.

I'm waiting for clarification for self-catering, self-contained accommodation across the board.   As i'm not sure they HAD to close, but obviously we weren't supposed to travel "for leisure" so there was no point in them opening.