Since early 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the way we live, and every industry has been affected. After being shuttered for 3 months, many hotels are eager to reopen, given that they receive permission from the government to do so. While there will be noticeable changes to the experience, on the whole, your experience as a guest won’t be too significantly different. Some hotels are looking to reopen to the public as early as the beginning of July. If you are anticipating staying in a hotel any time soon, here are a few things you can expect.
Receptions
Hotels are abiding by the social distancing parameters set forth by health officials. Some hotels have installed perspex screens in reception areas in addition to applying social distancing stickers to the floor. Like many other businesses, they are limiting the number of people allowed in the reception area at any given time to avoid crowding. Other hotels are changing their check-in and check-out times to avoid crowds during peak times. You may notice less furniture in public areas to encourage guests to spread out. Lifts may be limited to one person or members of the same household at a time.
Cleaning
Cleanliness is next to godliness, especially in a pandemic. Hotels are enhancing their cleaning-services while regularly cleaning frequent touchpoints in buildings like buttons and door handles. Within guest rooms, cleaners will disinfect objects like light switches, door handles, TV remotes, coat hangers, and thermostats. Hilton plans on providing disinfecting wipes for guests to use during their stay as well. One hotel in London has a thorough, 98-point cleaning procedure that includes steam cleaning and a 72-hour waiting period between guests. IHG, which owns Holiday Inn, will provide individual guest cleaning kits that face masks, hand sanitiser, and sanitising wipes, upon request.
Facilities
Certain amenities like pools and fitness centres will still be available, but expect some changes. Some hotels will close these facilities for cleaning multiple times a day. When they are open, fitness equipment will likely be spread farther apart to encourage social distancing and allow for fewer people to use the gym at once. Bedrooms and meeting rooms will be repurposed to create private offices and co-working spots in order to accommodate those you are unable to work from home or in a traditional office.