As hotels across the United States begin to reopen, you will see essential changes during your stay. Three months after lodging operators were forced to close, all forms of lodging can resume business activities. But what can you expect when you arrive at a luxury hotel? Please look at some of the most critical changes currently in place to keep visitors safe during their stay.
What to Expect in Hotels after COVID
Parking
Until further notice, you will not have a valet to park your card. Instead, you will have to park the car yourself. This policy is in place to protect you and others from contracting the coronavirus. Of course, this may be inconvenient, but it’s certainly understandable. On the other hand, many parking valet attendants are out of work.
Luxury Hotel Guest Rooms
You will enjoy cleaner than standard rooms with enhanced cleaning protocols in place. However, not only will every room go through deep cleaning. Moreover, cleaning kits may be provided—major luxury hotels like Hilton, InterContinental, and Marriott use electrostatic disinfectant spray technology. You may further notice less furniture in rooms and spread further apart. Magazines, menus, and other reusable items will not be provided. Housekeepers are not allowed in a guest room when occupied. Higher standards are set for housekeepers with deep cleaning throughout guest rooms.
Related: How To Keep Healthy On A Cruise
Public Spaces
Elevators, the lobby, and other high-traffic areas are sanitized regularly. High-use areas are cleaned hourly or every other hour, depending on the hotel. Public restrooms are also cleaned more often to help prevent the spread of coronaviruses. Touchless hand sanitizer dispensers will be provided in public spaces. Lobby bars may be open with limited service and social distancing guidelines.
Related: How To Stay Healthy While Traveling
Luxury Hotel Food
Food and beverage services will feature reduced in-person contact with hotel guests. Buffet service may be offered, but attendants will wear face coverings, and utensils will be cleaned far more regularly. For dine-in services, table items like napkins, glassware, and silverware will be minimized. Shared-use items like condiment bottles and salt and pepper shakers are offered in a single service container. Instead of traditional menus, low-touch methods will be utilized, like disposable menus, whiteboards, and digital menus. Even after the pandemic has subsided, you’ll see digital menus.
Related: Information About the Coronavirus
Recreation
Particular attention to cleaning and disinfecting can be expected at recreational facilities like swimming pools and gyms. Posted signage will be visible throughout these facilities, informing guests how to stop the spread of coronaviruses. Hand sanitizing dispensers will also be available to guests to promote healthy hygiene. Face covering may be required where gym equipment is being used and the area surrounding the swimming pool. Additionally, lounge chairs will be spread further apart to maintain proper social distancing.
Related: Hotel E Downtown Santa Rosa
Update:
Major hotels have lifted many of the restrictions imposed during the height of the pandemic. This means you can have valet parking and dine or walk without a mask. However, because the coronavirus is still present, many hotel staff wear masks. Furthermore, there are still many hand sanitizing stations for you to use.
About The Author:
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS Local from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS Local websites, including CBS New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, he reportedly had a digital audience reach of 489 million and more than 5.5 million unique monthly visitors. His other stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS Radio, Engadget and CBSNews.com, NBC.com, NJ.com, and OWC.com. He is a Media Fellow of Stanford University.
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