Travelling is a slippery slope and no matter how many precautions you take, there is always a chance that you might have to quarantine in a new city. But choosing a stay in a new place can be a tricky business. You would want to opt for a safe abode for yourself with all the necessary amenities but how do you look for one? Call up the property and ask these questions. If the answers satisfy, it is the right place for you. Read on!
Are The Hotels Using Contactless Technology For Your Safety?
Hotels are not only introducing advanced cleaning policies but are also focusing on using the best of technology. For example, ITC’s Lavanderia offers impeccable contact light laundry services with top-notch safety and hygiene norms. All you need to do is place your items at a designated point and your clothes will be ready for pick-up within 24 hours. The entire process remains contactless.
Similarly, Marriott hotels have implemented low-touch solutions with contactless technologies using Mobile Key, Mobile Dining, Mobile Chat, and guest requests via the Marriott Bonvoy app. Marriott is also using filtration in air units and vacuums and UV light disinfection.
View this post on Instagram
What Steps Are Hotels Taking To Ensure Cleanliness?
CDC highly recommends asking a hotel about its updated cleaning and disinfecting policy. For instance, ITC Hotels has launched a WeAssure initiative that addresses all facets of hotel operations including back-of-the-house activity, back offices, laundry, guest luggage, and heightened sanitisation measures. Similarly, Hyatt has launched a Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment to enhance its operational resources. ITC Is World’s First Hotel Chain To Receive Platinum Certification For Hygiene & Safety Protocols.
View this post on Instagram
How Are Hotels Dealing With Frequently Touched Surfaces?
Even though there is no scientific evidence that the virus could be airborne, you must ensure to check what measures the hotels are taking to reduce the risk of infection through high-touch surfaces. For example, Taj Hotel chains regularly sanitises area that comes in contact with guests like the furniture, equipment, stationery, vehicles, cutlery, and crockery.
The Lodhi in Delhi also sanitises high-touch items in rooms like remote controls, doorknobs, switches, temperature control panels, tables, and luggage racks.
Also read: Indians Prefer Homestays Over Hotels As Safer Option Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
View this post on Instagram
How Are Hotels Delivering You Food In The Room?
Elevated hygiene norms and contact-less service design is imperative for food delivery to your room while self-isolating. Marriott is making changes such as increasing menu engineering to adapt to digital menus and encouraging digital payments. Apart from that, rigorous cleaning and disinfection of the kitchen are being done before opening and between each meal.
Also read: Can It Be Safe To Travel After The First Dose Of Vaccination? Here’s What You Need To Know
How Do Hotels Address Medical Emergencies?
Hotels must be ready with their plan of action in case of a medical emergency. For example, Hyatt’s Global Care and Cleanliness Commitment have collaborated with medical experts from Cleveland Clinic to seek advice on handling COVID-related emergencies. The Lodhi at New Delhi will call the COVID-19 helpline and make all the arrangements with the hospital. Many hotels have also kept aside an emergency room away from the other hotel rooms to accommodate a suspected COVID-19 patient.
Also, ensure that the property adheres to social distancing protocols in public areas across hotel properties.