Irish quarantine hotels are seeing a surge in demand from domestic tourists seeking to escape the drudgery of the world’s longest lockdown.
The facilities are designed to accommodate individuals travelling into Ireland from high Covid risk countries, not those already residing in the country.
“It’s all a swizz,” said one Dublin man. “These people coming from Kenya or the US get fourteen nights B&B, with all their meals delivered room service. I can’t even bring the family for a night in our caravan in Gorey.”
“Putting the feet up for a couple of weeks, hotel grub and even scheduled exercise breaks. It sounds the business to me,” said a Cork woman.
Hotel quarantine costs €1,875 per adult, with children over 12 costing €625, meaning a family with two teenagers would pay a cool €5,000 for a two week stay.
“Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but you’d be charged the same by every two-bit hotel around the country when they do open,” said a Limerick man. “I’ll be looking to make a booking once the kids get their school holidays.”
The Department of Health has warned the public against attempting to book into hotel quarantine as a family holiday substitute. “Quarantine hotels are a public health measure and are not open for holiday bookings, unless you know a Minister,” said a spokesperson