Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Welcome Back! COVID-19 Update -- June 2020

It has been a difficult few months for us all, but we at the Blue Shutters are looking forward to making the summer a little brighter for our usual guests and those new to the inn.

While there will be some changes to ensure your safety, much of what you have loved – or will love, if you’re a newcomer – is still the same: amazing Good Harbor Beach right outside our door, our spectacular sunrise views, the extraordinary beauty and hospitality of Cape Ann, and the fun and friendly Blue Shutters team.

We are part of Phase II of the Massachusetts re-opening coordinated by the state, which began June 8, and we have been working with the city of Gloucester to ensure we are following all guidelines. We opened on June 12 and continue to take reservations for the summer and the months ahead. Please call us (978-283-1198) for availability information.

While there has been no announcement of the details of Phase III of the re-opening – due to begin June 29 -- we hope to have more flexibility at that time. Here are the steps we are taking in Phase II to keep everyone healthy during your stay.

Check In
We ask that you call us when you arrive on the property for check-in so we can ensure there is as little contact as possible with other guests in our Main Room.

General Guest Safety
Hand sanitizing stations are located in the main room and on the second and third floors. Although guests are free to bring their own, masks will be provided for guests upon entry. Guests are asked to maintain six feet distance between the staff and other guests and to yield to others when on the stairway or in the halls and common areas.

Main Room 
You are free to use the Main Room, but we request that you be considerate of other guests and wear a mask while in this common area and maintain 6-foot distance. We will not be able to assist you with your bags unless you request our help.

Your Room/Apartment
We will not enter your room to make beds or clean during your stay, unless you request this service. This includes trash pick-up – we ask that you place trash in a trash bag provided, leave these outside your door and advise us that pick-up is needed. Please use the door-hanger to note if you need service and when you check out.

Outdoor Areas
As with our Main Room, you are free to use your outdoor chairs/table, but be considerate of others and maintain a safe distance.

Breakfast
Because of state guidelines and to ensure your safety, we will not be able to provide our typical coffee and continental breakfast. As always, you are free to use the refrigerator and microwave in your room, and you may choose to bring your own coffee maker.

Blue Shutters Staff 
We will be wearing masks when with guests and when in the common areas. We will be practicing social distancing with our guests and each other (handshakes and hugs will be virtual only -- you will have to imagine our smiles behind our masks).

Housekeeping

Our rooms will have a slightly new look. Bedspreads will be replaced by blankets and all pillow covers will be removed. In addition to our usual detailed cleaning and sanitizing procedures, Housekeeping will wipe down all high-touch areas (light switches, doorknobs, etc.) with disinfectant as a part of normal servicing and cleaning.

If your room needs housekeeping service, please advise one of the Blue Shutters staff. Guests in our apartments – Deckside, Beachside, Starboard and Portside – are encouraged to use the outside entrances in those units whenever possible.

We will limit the kitchenware in the apartments. Please let us know if you need any additional items. Our shared bathroom on the third floor and the “public” bathroom on the first floor will not be available to guests.

The two rooms that share these baths – Wheelhouse and Captain’s Mate – will not be available unless they are taken with an adjoining room (all of which have private baths).
 
Parking
Parking at the Blue Shutters will be limited to guests and their families.

If you have any questions or concerns, please let us know immediately! 978-283-1198 -- info@blueshuttersbeachside.com