I stayed at a hotel for the first time since the end of coronavirus lockdown, and it was so eerily quiet I felt like I was in 'The Shining'

For good reason, though it didn't make the experience any less strange, almost every area in the downstairs of the hotel was closed off, including the bar, the restaurant, and the toilets.

I followed the yellow paper road and checked in from behind a glass panel with a solitary (and very friendly, I must add) member of staff.

"Floor four," I was told after being handed two keys to my room, so I made my way over to the elevators.

Given I was with someone from my own household, the request seemed odd, but I followed nevertheless. There was also a hand sanitization station, which the hotel was asking guests use before calling for the elevator.

Up to the fourth floor I went, alone, standing staring at my masked face in the elevator's mirror, hands smelling a bit like cheap tequila.

These signs were everywhere.

A necessary measure, but it was oddly creepy being constantly reminded to remain socially distanced from other people when there was nobody else present.

Though I was hardly expecting to the hallways of the hotel to be bustling, I could have stood here for hours without seeing a soul.

What was really noticeable was the lack of "Do Not Disturb" signs on the doors.

In fact, there was only one, directly next to my room, though I didn't hear a peep from my supposed neighbours.

No, those aren't what you think they are – they are hand sanitizing wipes. Though I pictured just two, I was actually given a ton.

Instructions left for me detailed how I couldn't ask for more pillows, fresh bedding, or new towels during the duration of my stay. There was also no fridge. There was, however, a television which didn't work.

With the hotel's restaurant shut, I was told breakfast would be delivered to my door sometime in the morning.

When I awoke around 9:00 a.m., there it was, though I had no idea how long it had been there, which wasn't all that appetizing.

My parcel also appeared to be the only one on my floor. Whether that was due to the fact I slept in and missed the others, or I really was alone in this huge 310 room guesthouse I'll never know.

Orange juice, a pain au chocolat and some grapes? Yes please. A warm yogurt that had been sat outside my room for an unknown amount of time? Pass.

After eating half the meal, I checked out around midday, but I got the feeling it could have been 2 p.m. or even later and there wouldn't have been a problem.

While it was pleasant, and I didn't at all feel at risk, the total lack of interaction and facilities, mostly notably the bar and restaurant, was disappointing given the price, which I won't disclose.

More than that however, it was extremely strange.

Fortunately, the city of Liverpool was lively during my stay, meaning I was able to retreat to normality.

Stephen King, or Jack Torrance, did say, of course: "All work and no play makes Barnaby a dull boy."

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