INTERNATIONAL REPORT—As the hotel industry readies for its reopening from the devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of companies and vendors are implementing new cleanliness and safety protocols. Here are some of them:
Hard Rock Launches Safe + Sound Program Worldwide
Hard Rock International has implemented a new health and safety plan for Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos as locations begin to reopen worldwide in compliance with global, national and local health officials. Hard Rock Hotels globally have implemented Safe + Sound, a new program developed by a team of hospitality and gaming experts in collaboration with worldwide health and sanitization specialists, including Ecolab and NSF International, formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation, to help keep guests and team members safe and healthy. Under the new standards, each hotel is independently assessed by NSF International and required to pass a 262-point inspection.
Properties that have already opened include all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotel resorts in Cancun, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Maya in Mexico, and Punta Cana in the Domincan Republic; Hard Rock Hotel locations in Daytona Beach and Orlando, FL, San Diego and Guadalajara, Mexico. Additionally, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos are open in Tampa and Hollywood, FL; Lake Tahoe, NV; Sacramento; Sioux City, IA; Biloxi, MS; Tulsa, OK; and Atlantic City.
Hard Rock Hotels open abroad include European destinations such as Dublin, Davos and the new waterside hotel in Amsterdam. Asian properties are open in the Maldives, Desaru Coast, Singapore, Shenzhen, Penang, Pattaya and Goa, while the new coastal resort in Dalian opened on July 1. Additional Hard Rock Hotels including Ibiza, Tenerife and Bali are scheduled to open by Aug. 1.
While individual property protocols may vary based on local guidelines, Safe + Sound protocols include, but are not limited to:
- Temperature checks for every team member, guest and vendor upon arrival
- Social-distancing markers placed six feet apart where lines can form
- Mandatory masks for all team members
- Masks required for guests in designated areas, such as check-in, elevators and public areas
- Seal of Safe + Sound on every guestroom door upon arrival
- Increased cleaning and disinfecting frequency for high-touch surfaces across public areas, meeting rooms, dining areas and public restrooms
- Hand sanitizer in every public space area and all restrooms
- Team member hand washing every 60 minutes
- Plexiglass separators at front desks, check-in areas, table games, poker games and additional customer-service areas
- High-level infection control procedures to collect laundry
- Touchless in-room dining service at guestroom door
- Sanitization of guest luggage before it enters the lobby
- Self-service buffets have been suspended
- At pools and beaches, groups of guests are spaced six feet apart
- Signs posted throughout the property to encourage social distancing and help ensure adherence to Safe + Sound program guidelines
Small Luxury Hotels of the World Introduces Stay Small, Stay Safe Initiative
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) has launched the Stay Small, Stay Safe initiative offering enhanced health and detailed safety guidelines for all 520 member hotels in 90 countries. Nearly 330 member hotels have now reopened and many are preparing to open in the coming weeks.
In order to safeguard these standards, SLH has entered a partnership with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) for its hotels to pursue GBAC Star accreditation. The performance-based cleaning, disinfection and infectious disease prevention program helps hotels minimize risks associated with infectious agents and biohazards. GBAC Star accreditation provides third-party validation to ensure hotels have the elevated cleaning protocols, disinfection techniques and work practices in place.
Additionally, a Stay Small, Stay Safe module will be launched on the SLH website to help guests and travel advisors make informed decisions and guide their journey through the site. The latest updates on border openings, quarantine restrictions, best practices and information pertaining to COVID-19 precautions at each hotel will provide accurate and up-to-date details in the ever-changing environment. The SLH Quality Assurance Policy will also update the 700-point Mystery Inspection program checklist with an additional 136 checkpoints related to health, safety and cleanliness standards performed at all 520 hotels annually.
PM Hotel Group Launches PMxPM Program
PMxPM: Peace of Mind by PM Hotel Group, the management company’s recently enhanced initiative, extends beyond cleanliness and includes a comprehensive program for delivering holistic, thoughtful hospitality.
The PMxPM initiative encompasses a 360-degree playbook including updated safety, sanitation, operational procedures and ongoing associate trainings that incorporate the latest guidance and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO), American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), and state, local and federal governments.
To deliver on the promise of Peace of Mind by PM Hotel Group, the program also includes bespoke practices for enhancing guest experiences in a time when social distancing requires innovation and creative thinking.