With thoughts slowly returning to being able to enjoy an overseas holiday once again, many may be concerned about how they will be looked after once they arrive at their hotel. We have looked into just three popular hotel chains to see what measures they have introduced with your safety, and well-being, in mind.
Two popular destinations for the UK and European market, are the Spanish Balearic Islands (mainly a summer destination), and the Canary Islands (a year-round destination). This makes a Canaries holiday a possibility during the winter months at the end of 2020, and into early 2021.
H10 Hotels
Safety and hygiene measures within the H10 hotel chain will follow the recommendations of the WHO. All members of staff will receive training in cleaning procedures as well as safety and hygiene measures. There will be a daily taking of staff temperatures, and staff will be equipped with personal protection equipment. Of course, there will be social distancing measures in place between guests and staff.
At the hotel there will be an online cheque in and checkout system, and guests will be encouraged to use contactless credit cards for payments. Magnetic room keys will be disinfected after each use, and there will be baggage management hygiene measures in place.
Before checking into your rooms, these will have been unoccupied for at least 24 hours. Rooms are thoroughly cleaned, and there will be increased disinfection of surfaces such as switches handles, and bathroom fittings. Each room will have a bottle of hand sanitizer, and a kit containing face masks.
In public areas there will be daily ventilation of all areas as well as numerous hand sanitizer dispensers available. H10 hotels also guarantee minimum safety distancing between people.
The hotels bars and restaurants will also have hand sanitizers at all entrances, and there will be capacity limits to enable social distancing between tables of at least 2 metres. After each use, tables and chairs will be disinfected. Kitchen equipment will also be disinfected at the end of each service.
When relaxing around the swimming pool you will notice the furniture has been arranged to ensure to meet distancing between sun loungers. This will mean a limited capacity around the pool. There will be increased maintenance and cleaning of the pool water as well as disinfecting the pool area and furniture.
Iberostar Hotels
Iberostar launched the “How We Care” project by putting in place certain procedures, enabling them to reopen and welcome guests once again.
Having announced a global lock-down the Iberostar Hotels are starting to reopen in a selection of destinations. The Balearic islands will open on the 26 June 2020 with the island of Ibiza opening on the 3 July. The Canary Islands will also open on the 26 June, but with Lanzarote opening on the 1 August. For those wishing to travel to the Spanish region of Andalucia, hotels will open on the 26 June with the resorts of Isla Canela opening on the 3 July, and Marbella on the 17 July. If you are looking to travel to the Algarve Iberostar Hotels will open on the 16 July.
They have introduced more than 300 measures, and aim to make customers feel safe, with compliance with the WHO recommendations. All hotels will be increasing the frequency of disinfection of all area with new cleaning measures utilising sustainable products.
There is specialised training of employees on new hygiene and protection measures. There are centralise medical services including ambulance and isolation rooms.
Hotel occupancy will be at a maximum of 70% capacity, and there will be sign posting in the hotels to ensure the best flow of people throughout. There will be a reduction in the number of tables in the a la carte restaurants as well as increased space in buffets, and new exterior dining experiences have been introduced at hotels. Guests can also take advantage of the increased takeaway options that use compostable and reusable packaging. Room service is also available.
For children there will be ‘medic superhero’ who will teach them how to play together within the new environment.
Melia Hotels
Melia hotels have adapted their properties in compliance with regulations. This includes additional cleaning and hygiene measures, adjustment of space and distancing measures. There will also be reduced contact between customers and staff.
The hotel chain has introduced new cleaning and disinfection procedures, including new products to be used. New maintenance plans will be in place for air conditioning, heating, refrigeration and water systems.
Prior to opening, all staff undergo training for food hygiene and health standards, including the use of personal protective equipment. Cleaning of rooms is on request, with guests being able to decide whether they want to use the cleaning services during their stay. Additionally, all cleaning will be done when guests are out of their room. In rooms, all paper and stationary will be removed and a digital directory installed on TV’s. Sanitizing dispensers for hand cleaning will be in public areas, and customers are able to purchase a kit containing masks, gloves, and gel.
Signage will be at hotels indicating how areas will be used, and reminding about the need for social distancing. There will be reduced capacity in restaurants and swimming pools. Buffets will be served to customers in an attempt to optimise the flow of guests, and reduce food handling. There will be a takeaway service available enabling customers to enjoy their food wherever they wish whether this is the beach, the pool area, or rooms.
As you can see, hotel chains have been working hard so that that once guests are able to return, all the necessary measures have been put in place to ensure guests are extremely well looked after in terms of service, safety, and well-being.
Gail Hewitt is Owner and Director of Corona Holidays. Corona Holidays are specialists in tailor-made holidays to the Canary Islands, Balearic Islands, and European city breaks.
By Gail Hewitt