Around the world, hotel groups are announcing new cleaning and safety programs in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Detailed protocols and training are now being implemented, with increased frequency of cleaning public areas, and the use of specialized cleaning products. Here are some of the efforts major hotel groups are taking to stop the spread of the virus and reassure guest safety:

HILTON

Hilton will begin rolling out its CleanStayTM with Lysol Protection program in June, developed with experts from RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, brands trusted for safely disinfecting surfaces. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team will advise and assist in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols. Hilton’s program includes:

Guest Rooms

Hilton CleanStay Room Seal to indicate that guest rooms haven’t been accessed since they were cleaned
Extra disinfection of top 10 high-touch areas in guest rooms including light switches and door handles
Reduced paper amenities in rooms (such as notepads and guest directories)

Public Areas

Increased cleaning frequency of public areas
Guest-accessible disinfecting wipes at entrances and high traffic areas
Enhanced cleaning for fitness centers 
Enhanced cleaning & other changes to meeting spaces, buffets and in-room dining
Industry-leading contactless check-in and check-out with Digital Key at more than 4,700 properties globally

All Areas

Evaluation of new technologies like electrostatic sprayers with disinfecting mist and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects
Enhanced Team Member safety and well-being with personal protective equipment and enhanced training and protocols

SOURCE: newsroom.hilton.com

HYATT

Hyatt describes its Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment as “an important expression of our purpose to care for people so they can be their best—now and in the future. We want every Hyatt guest and colleague to feel confident that each aspect of our commitment is designed with safety and well-being in mind.” Hyatt’s program includes:

Global Cleanliness Accreditation

In May 2020, Hyatt plans to introduce a GBAC STARTM accreditation that will include detailed training at more than 900 Hyatt hotels worldwide. GBAC is a division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, and is composed of leaders in the area of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis and mitigation, designed specifically to deal with biological threats and real-time crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hotel-Level Sanitization Specialists

By September 2020, every Hyatt hotel will have at least one person on property trained as a Hygiene Manager, who will be responsible for their hotel adhering to new operational guidance and protocols, some of which may include:

Colleague certification, trainings and recertification process for hygiene and cleanliness
Increased frequency of cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants on all high-touch surfaces and areas such as lobbies, guest rooms, restaurants, meeting and event spaces, recreational areas, public restrooms, fitness centers, elevator buttons, all employee areas, and more
Implementation of enhanced food safety and hygiene protocols for restaurants, room service, and group meetings and events
Prominently placed hand sanitizer stations throughout hotel public and employee areas and entrances
Exploring purification and sanitization device installation in an effort to ensure air quality
Protective masks and other equipment worn by hotel colleagues
Social distancing guidance in public areas across hotel properties
Evolving new policies in consideration of guidance and information shared by various health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local authorities, and other leading organizations and experts

SOURCE: hyatt.com/info/global-care-and-cleanliness-commitment

MARRIOTT

Marriott’s Commitment to Clean includes a technological approach, using electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces in guest rooms and public areas. The company also said it is testing “ultraviolet light technology” for cleaning and may add partitions at front desks. Marriott’s program includes:

Public Spaces – Starting with our public spaces and high-traffic areas, we are going above and beyond our normal protocols. We are cleaning surfaces with increased frequency, dedicated staff, and recommended cleaning agents.
Hand Sanitizer – Hand sanitizing stations are being installed at hotel entrances, at our front desks, our elevator banks, and meeting spaces.
Social Distancing – Signage in public spaces will remind our guests to maintain social distancing. We will be adding partitions at check-in to provide an extra level of precaution for our guests and our associates.
Guest Rooms – In guest rooms, we have elevated our rigorous protocols to thoroughly clean all surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants. And we will be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for your use.
New Cleaning Technologies – We are rolling out enhanced technologies including electrostatic sprayers to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel. We are also testing ultraviolet light technology for sanitizing guest keys and devices shared by associates.
Mobile App – Our mobile technologies provide reassurance and distancing options for our guests. In over 3,200 hotels, your phone can be used to check in, access your room, and order room service.

SOURCE: clean.marriott.com

For information about additional hotel groups, read an article from Business Traveller Magazine HERE.