It's been two days since Vancouver's Belmont Hotel begun renting out its rooms during the day for people who want to swap their makeshift home office amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“A couple of people have booked,” said hotel manager Jay Leung, who explained each room comes customized with a “clutter-free” desk and “proper desk chair.”
Other changes from a typical hotel room include complimentary office supplies and services, including document shredding, copying, and printing.
"If you order Uber Eats we will send it right up. If mail arrives, you will receive it right away," assured Leung.
Tenants will also have access to meeting rooms, with space enough for six people.
The hotel manager hopes that rooms rented – as offices – will help boost the hotel's business amid the pandemic.
“COVID-19 has decimated the hotel industry,” the manager explained.
“We are nowhere near the occupancy we should be at. Since March, bookings have dropped drastically.”
As a result, the hotel has had to make some “challenging decisions,” including laying off staff.
"It’s been tough for us," Leung said.
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Posted by Hotel Belmont Vancouver on Thursday, September 10, 2020
Belmont office room rates range from $95 to $125 for a 12-hour booking, with check-in available between 5 a.m. and 11 a.m.
“If people want to use the office for a few days or longer, we’re willing to offer long-term discounts," added Leung.
