Understanding Top Hotel Brands Responses To Covid 19

The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the way hospitality brands view cleanliness and hygiene. Following the initial outbreak of the pandemic, hotel brands across the world took measures to overcome challenges and define a new standard of cleanliness.

In the second half of 2020, brands are still in the process of developing new guidelines to keep guests safe. Keep reading to take a deeper look at the progress made so far:

Marriott - Marriott Global Cleanliness Council

Marriott International's commitment to cleanliness extends along three key pillars:

• Surface areas and public spaces: Surfaces are now treated with hospital-grade disinfectants at an increased frequency. Some locations have deployed electrostatic sprayers to sanitise high-touch surfaces.
• Guest contact: Hotel staff are required to maintain social distancing protocols when interacting with guests. When possible, furniture has been rearranged to facilitate this extra precaution. In addition a new mobile app allows guests to use their smart phones as a room key.
• Food safety: Food hygiene compliance is validated by independent audits. Staff have received updated training on how to disinfect food preparation and serving areas.

Hilton - Hilton CleanStay

Hilton has partnered with the Mayo Clinic, a worldwide leader in healthcare, to develop a new cleaning program that covers the entire guest experience, from check-in to check-out.

Some highlights of the program include:

• Room seals: Door seals show guests that no one has entered their room after it was cleaned.
• Deep cleaning protocols: Housekeeping staff will perform extra disinfection of high-touch areas.
• De-cluttered room amenities: Paper amenities like notepads and directories are only available upon request.
• Contactless check-in: Digital key technology allows guests to access their rooms and other amenities from their personal smart phone.

Cleaning high-touch surfaces is a priority.

Hyatt - Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment

Hyatt's updated cleaning program was developed with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) as well as experts from the Cleveland Clinic. Housekeeping staff receive detailed training that is at the same level of hospitals. Upon arriving at work each day, all employees are tested for fevers and screened for COVID-19 symptoms.

Every Hyatt hotel has been equipped with hygiene stations for guests to sanitise their hands and obtain wipes for touching surfaces in public areas. In addition, signage throughout shared spaces helps to indicate where guests should stand to maintain social distancing. Like other hotel brands, Hyatt has also invested in digital key technology for contactless service.

Four Seasons - Lead With Care

In June 2020, Four Seasons partnered with Johns Hopkins Medicine International to establish a COVID-19 Advisory Board. This board is responsible for bringing together Four Seasons leaders with medical experts from around the globe. The board monitors the latest guidance on COVID-19 policies and designs in-person and virtual training for Four Seasons staff members.

Technology plays an important role in this program. By using chatbots and other mobile technology, guests can limit face-to-face interactions with hotel staff and other guests.

In addition, Four Seasons has adopted a new role, called the Hygiene Officer. This leader will be responsible for implementing and monitoring enhancements to the brand's cleaning procedures, including the adoption of new technologies such as electrostatic sprayers.

Radisson - Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol

Radisson hotels have adopted a 20-step protocol to keep hotel guests protected from infectious diseases. The protocol is independently verified by SGS, a worldwide leader recognised for quality and integrity. The new program includes:

1. Physical distancing of guests and staff.
2. Deep cleaning disinfection of guest rooms.
3. Improved air circulation.
4. Protective barriers around front-desk staff.
5. Hand sanitising stations.
6. Key card disinfection.
7. Informational door hangers.
8. Complimentary travel-size hand sanitiser.
9. Disinfected and sealed TV remote controls.
10. High-temperature linen cleaning.
11. Disinfectant wipes in all fitness and wellness centers.
12. Contactless, express checkout technology.
13. Cash-free payments for food and beverages.
14. Grab-and-go, pre-sealed meal options.
15. Physical distancing protocols in on-site bars and restaurants.
16. Updated hygiene standards for food preparation areas.
17. Removed minibars from guest rooms.
18. Daily temperature and COVID-19 symptom checks for staff.
19. Personal protective equipment for all hotel staff, including masks and gloves.

Rubbermaid is here to support new cleanliness initiatives

Durable, effective commercial cleaning products play an important role in each of the programs highlighted here. Unlike consumer-grade products, our tools last longer and provide enhanced cleaning capabilities. To learn more about how our equipment supports guest health and safety, check out our catalogue today.