4 minute read
Reality check: We try out a Covid testing service for travellers and check out a new hotel in Asia
Reality check
RANDOX HEALTH COVID TESTING SERVICE, WITH ADVANTAGE TRAVEL PARTNERSHIP
OVERVIEW The Advantage Travel Partnership has partnered with Covid19 testing company, Randox Health, to provide discounted PCR tests to travellers through its TMC members. Clients are given a code which reduces the price of each test from £120 to £60. Randox also offers the same discounted price to British Airways' customers.
BOOKING Ordering my predeparture PCR test was a simple process on the Randox website, similar to an Amazon purchase. It was clear where to add the discount code. I was asked to provide basic details, such as my name and address, and to say whether my test was part of the test and release scheme. Clear instructions about the service were provided in several ways, including a short video.
THE TEST My test arrived in the post two days later in a small cardboard box. Each item in the kit was attributed a letter, which made it easier to know what to do. As with previous tests, I found it very uncomfortable to rub the end of the swab over my tonsils. I also found it slightly difficult to break the plastic swab to fit it into the tube, but apart from that it was all pretty straightforward. Test done, I registered my sample on the Randox website, providing my contact details and a URN number which was printed on several stickers in my testing kit.
THE RETURN This is where things got a bit tricky. I live just outside Brighton, but at the time of doing my my test (end of April) the closest Randox drop box was in Croydon - a 38-mile, 1hr drive away. The alternative was a DX drop location at Gatwick, still a 21-mile, 28-minute drive (and this would mean my sample would take longer to get to the lab). When I contacted Randox to ask for alternative options, I was told that I was lucky because I lived on the "route back to the helicopter" so a courier could collect it from my home. It was collected two hours later, for free. I was also told that Randox is rapidly ramping up the rollout of its drop boxes in time for the easing of travel restrictions on May 17. My test result (negative) came the following morning by email.
THE VERDICT Provided there are more drop boxes available to return samples, this is a simple and efficient service. I felt I was in good hands.
THE DETAILS randoxhealth.com Tests cost from £60
ORDERING MY PCR TEST WAS A SIMPLE PROCESS, SIMILAR TO AN AMAZON PURCHASE
Bev Fearis
THE HOTEL After breaking ground in 2016, this addition to the Hyatt Regency family had a low-key opening in early January due to Covid-19 travel restrictions. In the Doun Penh district of Cambodia’s capital city, the 247-room hotel blends modern urban with traditional Khmer architecture.
COVID STRATEGY Enhanced cleanliness and wellbeing measures are evident throughout the hotel, reflecting the Global Biorisk Advisory Council STAR accreditation held by all Hyatt hotels. Rooms come with hand sanitiser and a Hyatt branded face mask. ‘Knock & Go’ room service is also available.
THE CHECK-IN All visitors are greeted in the shaded veranda area of a restored villa by smartly-uniformed staff wearing facemasks and protective gloves. After my temperature was checked by an electronic scanner screen, I was ushered into the elegant lobby area and invited to sink into one of the deep sofas while the reception team swiftly took care of my check-in.
THE ROOM My 49 m2 King Palace View Deluxe category suite (room 801) had views of the Royal Palace and the Mekong River, king-size bed, and 65-inch Smart TV. The mini-bar was well-stocked with locally-sourced drinks and snacks. Individually-controlled airconditioning and a lighting set-up that doesn’t require a degree to navigate are welcome touches for weary travellers.
THE BUSINESS The multi-functional desk with data port, ergonomic chair and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi make work a cinch and a nespressostyle coffee machine delivers mindsharpening caffeine. But it’s the impressive choice of meeting rooms where the Hyatt Regency truly excels, spread over 1400m2 and with a capacity of up to 1,500 people.
THE FACILITIES An atrium houses the all-day concept Market Café Restaurant & Lounge, popular for ‘Teatails’, a Khmer spin on the traditional British afternoon tea. Locals vie to get a table at the FiveFive Rooftop Restaurant & Bar on level 14 with DJs and skyline views. There's also an outdoor salt-water 22-metre infinity pool. A Jivapiti Spa is due to open when Covid rules allow.
THE VERDICT The Hyatt Regency isn’t letting the pandemic rain on its parade and is confidently establishing itself as a destination hotel. THE DETAILS Double rooms from $165 hyattregencyphnompenh.com
HOTEL: HYATT REGENCY PHNOM PENH
THE LIGHTING SET-UP DOESN'T REQUIRE A DEGREE TO NAVIGATE
