The past 12 months have been difficult for us all – but particularly those who work in the hospitality or tourism industry.
During the first lockdown in March 2020, many hotels were used as emergency housing for the homeless. And as a result of leisure travel being banned, rooms have been empty for several months.
But things are changing for the better this time, and it’s hoped that hotels and B&Bs will be allowed to reopen on 17 May (at the earliest). It’s the news we’ve all been longing for, but the question is – is your hotel COVID-safe?
If the answer is no, don’t panic! There are a number of simple – yet effective – steps you can take to ensure that your hotel is ready to welcome guests back safely, and here are just a few…
Introduce mobile check-ins and check-outs
Providing a quick check-in/out option makes sense. Not only will it allow guests and staff to maintain social distancing – keeping a safe 2 metres apart – it will save visitors having to queue at the reception desk when they need to receive or return their room key.
Implement contactless payment
Many shops have decided to accept ‘card payments only’ – which not only saves customers having to draw money out from the cash machine but reduces the transmission of COVID-19 too. And given that most people these days are opting to pay contactless, via card, or Apple Pay, it’s worth adopting the same idea at your hotel.
Review the frequency of cleaning
Whilst the hygiene standards in hotels were stringent before the pandemic, the need to enhance cleaning regimes – front of house, in the kitchen and break rooms – is greater than ever before. You want your guests and staff to feel confident that the facilities are cleaned thoroughly, and frequently touched surfaces (i.e. light switches, handles, controls, taps, etc) are regularly disinfected.
Ensure comfort
From the moment guests walk through the door, it’s important that they are made to feel welcome and have safe access to all the facilities they could possibly need throughout their stay. Air conditioning is standard in hotels so, before you reopen, it’s worth checking that systems are functioning efficiently. After all, HSE states that it’s your responsibility to make sure that there is an adequate supply of fresh air in enclosed areas.
Acoustic flooring can help to create a comfortable and welcoming environment in the hustle and bustle of any busy hotel too. Therefore, if you haven’t already got acoustic floors at your hotel, or if your building is a new build, be sure to get in touch with JCW Acoustic Flooring – the UK’s leading acoustic flooring specialists. They have supplied and installed acoustic flooring at hotels, such as the Travelodge at Letchworth and Bicester, Indigo Hotel in Dundee and De’Vere Hotel in Edinburgh, and will gladly assist.
