Hotel Hygiene: Instilling Confidence

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Hotel Hygiene: Instilling Confidence

During COVID-19 it is more important than ever that accommodation providers implement thorough cleaning procedures to ensure the safety of their guests. Further, making sure that guests are aware of the efforts being taken to safeguard their health is an essential step in instilling confidence in travelers.

When it comes to property’s needs step up their health and safety precautions, guests will find reassurance from visible signs. This may mean that guests are examining their rooms a little more closely. Putting in place visual cues can ease guests concerns, this can include paper seals across toilet seats after cleaning and notes from housekeeping with the time of their visit. Going the extra mile with in-room amenities will also show guests you are keeping hygiene front of mind, including hand sanitiser and disinfectant wipes allows guests to clean items as they see fit.

Many hotels are opting to introduce new techniques such as the use of ultraviolet light to test the quality of cleans, antibacterial fogging of guest rooms, and air sanitisers. In shared spaces the installation of hand sanitiser dispensers and social distancing markings has become commonplace, as well as the use of masks and gloves by staff members.

Utilising technology across all areas of the business can also help implement social distancing and hygiene guidelines. Swapping out guest compendiums for a link to access the information via their mobile or hotel app reduces the need for shared items among guests. Offering a contact free check-in also reduces the need for face-to-face interaction, with some hotels taking this one step further and introducing concierge screens or tablets to handle common queries and services.

In restaurants and dining spaces, it may be essential for guests to make bookings to ensure they can dine at their preferred time. With social distancing guidelines in place the capacity of dining areas may be reduced, limiting the portion of guests that can be served at one time. This will be particularly important for properties which offer a self-serve buffet style breakfast. Hoteliers may have to consider adapting the buffet to a traditional table service dining experience to avoid issues surrounding open-air food displays and shared utensils. In this instance, guests may be encouraged to have breakfast delivered through room service or book a table ahead of time.

No matter what practices are put in place, it is essential that accommodation providers communicate their commitment to health and safety to their guests. Ensuring that people feel it is safe to travel and that their hygiene concerns are being addresses will create confidence among travelers.