New Normal for Hotel Cleaning Standards
In the time of COVID-19 people have a lot of questions when it comes to traveling and lodging.
Are hotels instituting more rigorous cleaning standards?
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) recently introduced new guidelines on how to prepare the nation's hotels for an influx of guests during the pandemic.
The association’s new initiative “Safe Stay,” is an industry-wide, enhanced standard of health and safety protocols designed to prepare America’s hotels to safely welcome back guests and employees as the economy reopens.
Various hotel brands have adapted the rules to fit within their own standards, which align with public health, federal, state, and local requirements.
The “Safe Stay” guidelines include guidance on the following:
● Employee & guest health
● Employee responsibilities
● Cleaning products and protocols
● Physical distancing
While rigorous cleaning is business per usual for Naples Hotel Group hotels, there are additional measures being put in place to make guests and associates more comfortable with the given climate.
Our hotels are cleaned and disinfected using commercial-grade cleaning solutions and products with a particular focus on frequently touched objects and surfaces such as tables, elevator buttons, door handles, remote controls, telephones, etc.
Something new we will be doing is all associates will be wearing personal protective equipment.
In addition, while stay-at-home orders are active and travel is banned, we have implemented limited housekeeping and breakfast services. Each hotel can update guests on its current offerings.
Our associates are practicing social distancing when possible, so we recommend our guests do so in the public spaces as well. Take the stairs when possible and if using the elevator please make sure to maintain a safe distance from others.
Take advantage of the hand sanitizing stations placed throughout the hotel, and always remember to wash your hands.
How are our franchise partners adapting to these new standards?
We rounded up a list of recent announcements.
Hilton
When it comes to new cleaning standards Hilton has taken to aligning with big names like Lysol and Dettol. The brand recently announced a new program to deliver an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in Hilton properties around the world.
The brand will partner with Lysol and Dettol and also partner with the Mayo Clinic to develop more advanced cleaning standards that will extend from check-in to check out. The program titled “Clean Stay” will include placing a door-seal on rooms that reassures guest that they are the first to enter the room since a thorough cleaning. The brand is also introducing a contact-less check-in. Learn more about Hilton’s new cleaning standards.
The Hampton Inn brand is focusing on three aspects of its guest experience, including the check-in / check-out process, in-room services, and throughout your stay. The brand’s plan is in coordination with experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team.
Best Western
The Best Western brand took a multi-prong approach by consulting with the Centers for Disease Control, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop its “We Care Clean” program. Their cleaning initiative focuses on various high traffic areas including the front desk lobby, hotel and employees and staff requirements, public amenities, and public spaces. The We Care program focuses on frequent sanitization and resources for guests like touchless hand sanitizer machines.
Marriott
Marriott’s Commitment Cleanliness is explained well in the video narrated by Mr. Marriott and show their commitment to providing a safe environment for guests and associates. The company redefined its cleaning standards after consultations from public health experts that align with expert protocols for working to defeat COVID-19.
Hotels will increase cleaning frequency and have dedicated staff towards these tasks. In addition, they’re introducing new technologies like electrostatic sprayers and the highest classification of disinfectants recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization to sanitize surfaces throughout hotels.
IHG
IHG Clean Promise has formed in partnership with industry-leading experts from Cleveland Clinic, Ecolab, and Diversey. They're launching this campaign globally using new science-led protocols and service measures. This program is an expanded version of a program launched in 2015, called IHG Way of Clean to add additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices. IHG's cleaning procedures were already included deep cleaning and hospital-grade disinfectants, these procedures build on that to assure guests and colleagues feel comfortable traveling.
To keep positivity moving, IHG launched a social media campaign to share stories with the hashtag #TrueHospitality to support their overall mission in True Hospitality for Good. Hotel teams have been going to incredible efforts, supporting those most vulnerable, housing our frontline heroes, and giving back to communities.