TOURISTS and residents alike are now able to stay in some of the county's hotels ahead of more lockdown restrictions being lifted.

The next stage of the governments road map out of lockdown begins on May 17, with the public able to meet up to six people indoors and up to 30 outside.

From Monday, hospitality businesses can also begin offering indoor service to its customers.

And ahead of the easing of restrictions, budget hotel chain Travelodge has opened the doors at 17 of its locations across Cheshire – including Northwich Lostock Gralam.

All locations feature a Covid-19 safety programme – a series of cleaning and social distancing measures in line with government guidance aimed at keeping customers and teams safe. 

To celebrate the reopening after the third national lockdown, the chain has released more than two million rooms for £29 across its UK hotels. 

Paul Jones, Travelodge district manager for Cheshire said: “We are very excited to reopen our 17 hotels in the region.

"We are hopeful that by reopening our hotels early we can help kick start the local economy.

"We are getting geared up for a busy summer as the staycation is set to be big this year.

"Also as we are the nation’s spare room provider, locals will be having lots of family and friends coming to visit this year and we will be hosting them.

"This is great news for the local economy as research shows, Travelodge customers will spend double their room rate with local businesses during their stay which can equate to a multi-million spend.”         

"Our TravelodgeProtect+ programme is sitting in the heart of our business as we reopen to safeguard and protect customers and our teams.

"During this lockdown, Travelodge had more than 300 hotels open providing accommodation for key/critical workers, business travellers who were allowed to travel and stay over plus local authorities and supporting vulnerable groups."