To stay in a hotel?

[ThinkYouveHadTooMuch]

DFIL lives on his own in supported accommodation with lots of elderly people. It's 3 hrs away from us. Due to the vulnerable nature of the people in the flats we haven't visited, despite being able to legally able to form bubble.
DFIL has had some really bad news this week and really needs emotional support. Would we be unreasonable to go down and book into a hotel this weekend? I've tried AirBNB but there is nothing available. We could do it in a day, at a push, but we have small DC and it's a long time in the car for them.
Are they even open? Does this class as an emergency?

Would it not be better to just bring him to you for a few days

Tried that. He can't drive and feels uncomfortable with the train journey

If you got up early enough you could drive three hours and be with him mid morning. I appreciate it might seem like a long distance if it’s not usual for you but plenty of people commute two hours each way daily so it’s hardly an insurmountable distance. Stop at a service station half way to break the journey up.

You’re allowed to travel to provide care or support. Some hotels are checking, some aren’t. I’ve travelled throughout the past year and if varies, you’d need to check with them whether they require evidence of your reason for travelling.

Why can’t one of you drive down and pick him up

@Floralnomad

Why can’t one of you drive down and pick him up

This seems the best suggestion. He might appreciate a longer visit too.

We've offered him to stay but he needs to seek legal advice linked to the bad news, so wants to get that sorted this week.
I have googled and the local premier inn is open. I think I'm going to give them a call

I work in a hotel chain and we are open. Only guests travelling for essential reasons are allowed to stay and you have an essential reason - caring for somebody. Book it and go.

The rules change on Monday, and single family self contained accomadation opens.
Does that help at all?