It’s hard to plan for business as usual with the stress of worrying about the coronavirus outbreak and how it might impact you and your family.
If you have to travel for business or for an emergency, making your trip can be even more anxiety-inducing than usual. From crowded methods of transportation to navigating meetings to dealing with everyday stress, many people are wondering what they can do to be more prepared and safer during trips.
We’ve compiled a list of things that may make hotel guests feel a little more comfortable while traveling, and during hotel stays in particular.
Hotel Cleaning Crews are Going Above and Beyond
Simple cleanliness measures have been touted by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) as one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of coronavirus. Handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest and most effective methods for reducing your risk of exposure.
Hotel staff members across the world are being reminded to assiduously follow this protocol, regardless of their level of interaction with guests and with each other. And, many hotels are also going far above and beyond this step to ensure they’re providing guests and clean and healthful experience.
At various Ellicott Hotels, for example, the housekeeping staff has been diligently at work, keeping surfaces cleaned, scrubbed and sanitized. In addition to the hotels’ normal cleaning procedures, enhanced cleaning processes are being completed for each guest room so visitors can feel comfortable and at ease.
And, the highest levels of enhanced cleaning and sanitization processes are also being observed in public and high-traffic areas like lobbies, elevators, and stairwells. With the added emphasis on cleanliness, guests should still practice caution and diligently continue their own hygiene practices; however, the efforts of staff to reduce the spread of germs can help travelers rest a little easier.
Social Distancing Is Still Being Practiced
While hotels are open for emergency and mandatory travel, hotel operators are still looking for ways to support the social distancing protocols our country has put into place.
As an example, Ellicott Hotels are encouraging guests to make additional service requests through phone or email, and are managing those requests in their usual timely and efficient manner. Taking this minor extra step ensures fewer guests need to wait in the lobby or other public spaces to receive help and support.
Conferences and Events are Being Put on Hold
Many hotels frequently provide space for businesses to host conferences, weddings, and other special events. While waiting for the coronavirus threat to dissipate, most hotels are not allowing these types of events to take place.
By reducing the possibility of large crowds congregating in the hotel’s meeting spaces, the possibility for the community transmission and spread of the virus can be reduced within the hotel’s footprint.
Keyless Entry Can Reduce the Need for Face-to-Face Contact
Generally, checking into a hotel requires standing in line in the lobby, waiting to speak to the desk attendant, then processing your payment and receiving a key. While handwashing and providing ample space can mitigate risks in this type of transaction, another option available at some technology-forward hotels can make the hotel entry process even more seamless.
At Aloft hotels (like the one in Buffalo’s 500 Pearl complex), guests can activate their phones to serve as their room key. Completing the digital checking is conveniently seamless and also reduces the need for in-person transactions with hotel staff.
Remember, if you are feeling concerned about increased person-to-person contact during mandatory travel, you can always make a call to the hotel’s concierge staff and make your requests. Hotels are taking coronavirus and its potential threat seriously and are focused on safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of their guests.
If you have reasonable requests, the hotels will be likely to grant them – things like having towels or hygiene supplies provided via contactless delivery, requesting no visits by housekeeping staff during your stay, or securing a room on the first floor so as to minimize shared elevator space.
During this difficult and unexpected time, we appreciate the loyalty of our community, friends, and guests even more. We look forward to serving you again soon and are doing all we can to keep our hotels safe, secure and sanitized for your peace of mind.
