Checking in with Ashworth
Hampton hotel talks about this unusual summer
One of the first hotels on Hampton Beach’s Ocean Boulevard, Ashworth by the Sea is a well-known sight along the boardwalk. With Covid-19 restrictions keeping them from offering all of their typical services, General Manager Tom Anderson talked to the Scene about how business has been and how they and their guests are making the most of the summer.
How has this summer been so far from a business standpoint?
The summer has been very busy! Different than years past, but we are operating at a high occupancy and happy to have guests in house.
You guys offer accommodations, food and entertainment. How have each of these changed in terms of what you’re able to offer this summer?
In June we were only able to operate at 50-percent occupancy in the hotel. Starting June 29 we could run 100 percent, and we have hit that number or close to it almost nightly. Food and beverage remains at 50-percent occupancy, but we luckily have a large dining room where we can comfortably and safely space the tables. Entertainment has been tricky. We still offer live bands on the weekend but we have not been able to offer dancing on Friday and Saturday nights in the lounge as usual. There really is no way to operate this safely but we hope to bring this back soon.
Are guests responding well, in general, to the changes?
We are consistently being thanked by our guests for being open, and we are happy to be here. Most guests understand the changes and are just happy to be out of the house.
You also typically do big events, like weddings. What has that been like? Have you had any big events since the restrictions have started to ease up?
Events have been the toughest obstacle thus far. Events were limited to 10 but were just recently changed to 50 people. We created a “micro wedding package” that brides have responded well to. We are actually holding our first wedding in a couple weeks. Couples are eager to have their wedding and we are happy to work with them and the restrictions to make their special day happen.
Plans for the next few months are up in the air for so many people. What are you hoping will happen at Ashworth by the Sea as we transition into the fall season?
Fall and winter are event seasons. We hope to be able to have some larger events as we transition so we can host our normal 200- to 250-person weddings and holiday parties.
You’re right on the beach. What’s the vibe like in the midst of a global pandemic?
The beach has been packed! When everything opened up I think everyone’s first place to visit was the beach. We also have had a very hot summer, which has brought out the crowds. The closing of Ocean Boulevard has also allowed for more open walking, which I think has increased the foot traffic to stores. People are hanging out longer.
— Meghan Siegler
Photo courtesy of Ashworth by the Sea.