While some of us have returned to the office, others still confined at home, we are all in some way waiting to “get out”: out of the house, out of the state, or even out of the country. Our world is changing constantly, and with the rapid spread of COVID-19 a lot of travel plans have been put on hold. As airlines and public transportation services adapt and reopen, one of the questions you might ask yourself is how are hotels responding to the new environment we all find ourselves in? What safety measures will be implemented as travel picks back up and hotels begin to fill?

Since the pandemic started, hotels have been looking to up their game in not only disinfection and cleanliness, but in new protocols and guidelines to help ensure guest safety.

Hilton is one company that has been at the forefront of introducing these new standards. Hilton announced that in June of 2020 they would be teaming with Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and RB (the maker of Lysol) to introduce “Hilton Cleanstay” (or “Hilton Cleanstay with Lysol Protection,” as it will be called in North America). This new program promises to deliver “an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in Hilton properties.”

This program will include the following new standards:

• Hilton CleanStay Room Seal: Placing a room seal on doors to let the guest know that no one has accessed their room since cleaning.

• 10 High-Touch, Deep Clean Areas: Extra disinfection in the most frequently touched areas (i.e. light switches, door handles, TV remotes, etc.)

• De-Clutter Paper Amenities: Removing paper, pen and guest directory and offering digital upon request.

• Focus on Fitness Centers: Improved disinfection along with daily times and capacity of guests allowed in the facility at one time.

Other companies are also implementing new guidelines in keeping with public health and safety standards. Marriott, for example, has redefined their cleanliness standards. The Marriott Cleanliness Council announced that this will entail the following updates:

• Increased frequency of cleaning, dedication of staff and use of recommended cleaning agents.
• Installation of hand sanitizer stations at hotel entrances, elevator banks, front desks, and meeting spaces.
• Signage posted in public spaces to remind guests of social distancing regulations, as well as the addition of partitions at check-in areas.
• Guest rooms will now be cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants and stocked with cleansing wipes free for guest use.

The Hyatt company has announced renewed cleanliness standards as well through their Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment. While they, like many other hospitality companies, already employ rigorous cleaning techniques, Hyatt has recognized the need for updates for the health and safety of guests and staff members. Their updates include the following:

• The presence of a Trained Hygiene & Wellbeing Leader or team at all Hyatt locations, ensuring that each hotel adheres to new operational protocols and training.
• Installation of hand sanitizer stations at every Hyatt location.
• Contactless “knock-and-go” room service delivery, as well as enhanced digital amenities for contactless check-in, check-out, and bill pay.
• Implementation of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR cleanliness and training accreditation process at all Hyatt hotels.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) worn in accordance with local guidelines
• Social distancing standards: signage posted in public areas of each hotel, as well as updated capacity limits.

No one knows what the future will bring, but most likely these new safety standards will become the new “norm” for hotels. We are all navigating this unprecedented situation together and each of us has a part to play in keeping each other safe. As travel plans are booked (or re-booked), the safety protocols implemented by hotels should be a part of the decision process – for your own wellbeing and the wellbeing of others. 

As always Tri-North is here to help in any way we can – whether you are looking to renovate your facility or revamp some of your safety features, we stay up to date on all the latest technology and information from the CDC. Please don’t hesitate to reach out for any construction needs.

Service Solutions

Jeremy Specht | Senior Project Manager | Direct: 608.204.7217 | Cell: 608.509.8434 | Email: jspecht@tri-north.com

Business Development

Chad Ferguson | Vice President of Business Development | Direct: 608.204.7253 | Cell: 608.216.3254 | Email: cferguson@tri-north.com

Client Services & Marketing

Pat Stern | Vice President of Client Services & Marketing | Direct: 608.204.7224 | Cell: 608.335.2455 | Email: pstern@tri-north.com

Commercial Construction

Darren Noak | President of Commercial Construction | Direct: 608.204.7206 | Cell: 608.345.9658 | Email: dnoak@tri-north.com

We will get through this together, and we will be stronger for it.