Whether you’re planning a staycation or travel overseas, if you’re staying in a hotel, you’ll be sure to notice a few changes.
You will be warmly welcomed by staff in face masks. The beloved breakfast buffet – well, it might not be there anymore. And if you’re hoping to use the gym, you might need to book in advance, that’s if it’s even open.
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the hotel experience, and distancing measures and hygiene practices are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ensuring the safety of staff and guests.
Safety first
Forget swimming pools, health suites, games rooms or porter service, the most attractive feature any hotel can offer right now is a sense of safety. This is why the hospitality industry has adopted new protocols designed to give guests just that.
‘We’ve had three months to get ready for this, so there are no excuses. The members of Luxury Jersey Hotels have been working together more closely than ever, meeting every week during lockdown. We were fortunate because, quite early on, we were able to get a copy of some well thought through safety guidelines from one of the leading restaurant companies in Hong Kong, which we’ve used as the foundation for our new safety protocols,’ said Patrick Burke, founder and chairman of Luxury Jersey Hotels, and owner of The Atlantic Hotel.
‘Jersey is working on Visit Safe branding to reassure visitors, as well as an island-wide hospitality charter to be adopted by everyone, with the hope that we can get it endorsed by Visit Britain. For anyone coming from the UK, that would be the best endorsement we could have.’
Reassuring visitors
Since Jersey announced the reopening of borders, The Atlantic’s phones have not stopped ringing. It’s positive evidence that there is still an appetite for travel, said Patrick, who believes the Channel Islands are in a unique position to capitalise on post-lockdown leisure getaways.
‘The Channel Islands are, and always have been, a safe place and that’s more important now than ever. We have a very small number of cases locally and we have been, largely, spared the worst effects of the virus. Jersey also has testing on arrival, which offers a great deal of comfort to travellers,’ he said.
‘From a Luxury Jersey Hotels point of view, being four and five-star establishments, and having the excellent reputation that comes with that, positions us very well in the market. People going on their first holiday since the crisis will be looking to stay in reputable hotels – they’re going to want that reassurance.’
Details make the difference
The new safety measures in place at The Atlantic, which is celebrating 50th anniversary this year, have been warmly received by guests, including the wearing of face masks, though they are not compulsory (except for staff). Social distancing and new hygiene procedures are the cornerstones of the ‘new normal,’ and staff training has been fundamental to their successful implementation, said Patrick, who has also ramped up the hotel’s al fresco offering, and introduced a ‘House Menu,’ which can be served anywhere on the premises.
‘We’ve had to look at all of our processes in significant detail and we’ve had to be creative and find new ways to deliver our services. Having said that, I think that people do and will still come to The Atlantic for exactly the same reasons they always have – we are a luxury, family-owned hotel, and we offer a welcoming experience and high standards. Those are all things that will reassure guests.’
Shout about safety
Hotel cleanliness has always been of paramount importance but once upon a time, cleaning protocols used to be kept behind the scenes. Now establishments are declaring their health and hygiene practices loud and proud.
To meet the new challenges presented by Covid-19, Seymour Hotels has introduced a Stay Safe Pledge to guests, which promises stringent, precautionary safety measures to ensure their safety.
The group, which includes The Merton Hotel, Pomme d’Or Hotel and Greenhills Country House Hotel, has created an eight-point plan and an in-house film to highlight its new protocols, all with the aim of reassuring customers who are planning to visit Jersey.
‘Our Safe Stay Pledge will seek to improve our established procedures and standards, to ensure both customers and employees are confident in the cleanliness and safety of our establishments now that lockdown measures have begun to ease,’ said David Seymour, managing director.
‘Seymour Hotels has always set the most demanding expectations for cleaning and safety. With the Safe Stay Pledge, we are enhancing these standards further to ensure customer confidence. We have worked in accordance with guidance issued by the Jersey and UK Governments, as well as local Environmental Health authorities and WHO recommendations.’
5 Ways coronavirus has changed the hotel experience:
Reception areas
Safety will be a priority in reception areas, with increased cleaning, and the possible addition of screens between guests and staff.
Lift limits
Hotels will be trying to minimise lift usage from reception, and should be providing clear signage for new lift rules.
Room service
When offering room service, hotels are encouraged to drop butler’s trays outside door, and add tips to the bill.
Deep cleaning
Housekeeping staff will be expected to follow strict handwashing guidelines, and make a checklist of all hand contact services to be cleaned when each guests vacates.
Dining
Bars or dining areas must be compliant with social distancing requirements.
(Feature image courtesy of The Atlantic Hotel)