What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
In Singapore, a hotel can be certified by the government as ‘SG Clean.’
According to a Hyatt press release, "The multi-layered commitment builds on Hyatt’s existing rigorous protocols and will include an accreditation process by the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) at all hotels around the world, colleague training and support resources, and a cross-functional working group of medical experts and industry professionals that will contribute to various aspects of the hotel experience."
The approach to public areas such as spas and gyms is different, depending on the hotel. Some believe that due to the high risk, it’s safer to stop providing those services to guests.
Mobile check-ins are already possible in some hotels, but this procedure will most likely become more popular. This might become the new standard.
But then we have the social distancing issue. This can be addressed by limiting access. Reducing the number of lounge chairs and spacing them appropriately might be one way to do it.
Some countries are already taking similar measures. The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) has begun a 'Clean and Safe' campaign, where hotels can become certified as "clean and safe."
After hotels started adopting larger dispensers to decrease waste, single-use toiletries might make a comeback as a way to avoid germs spreading by sharing larger containers.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): "There is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can be spread to people through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or water play areas. Proper operation and maintenance (including disinfection with chlorine and bromine) of these facilities should inactivate the virus in the water."
But some are going in the opposite direction. "If social touch becomes even more rare post-coronavirus, spas may provide a unique haven where people can experience touch in a clean and safe environment," said Jeremy McCarthy, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group's director of spa and wellness.
This might be the end of restaurant buffets. Well, at least for now.
These might be replaced by ‘smart keys.’ So all you will need is an app on your phone to access your room.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association also released a guide on "enhanced industry-wide hotel cleaning standards in response to COVID-19."
"I think just our awareness of transmission now is going to be heightened and so ... even though it might be safe and there might not be a pandemic scare, psychologically it might not be attractive anymore," predicts Christopher Anderson, professor of business at Cornell University's Hotel School.
Many items in hotel rooms are high-contact areas. In the future, we might see a reduction in items such as decorative pillows, minibar items, magazines, and pamphlets.
A number of organizations have issued guidance on this subject. The World Health Organization (WHO), for instance, issued guidance on the "Operational considerations for COVID-19 management in the accommodation sector."
In addition, hotel chains such as Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt are creating their own new standards of cleanliness.
The appointment of a cleanliness manager might happen–someone responsible for planning, training staff, and ensuring the levels of cleanliness required.
Hand sanitizers will be made available in most areas of the hotel, encouraging people to disinfect their hands.
New disinfection products and techniques will likely be implemented. Hilton and Marriott, for instance, are experimenting with electrostatic sprayers.
“Prewrapped, grab-and-go offerings are likely to be the solution in the near future,” Anderson adds.
Many of us dream about the day the COVID-19 pandemic will end and we can finally go on vacation. With that in mind, we still want to make sure we're safe, and that the accommodation we book complies with all the necessary standards of cleanliness. Life post-coronavirus might be a bit hard to imagine, but with new hygiene standards and potentially accreditation on the way, we will likely feel safer and relaxed.
Browse through the following gallery and discover what hotels around the world are doing, and what's coming up to ensure everyone stays safe.
Robots might also be utilized more often in the future. Germ-Zapping Robots, for instance, use UV light to eliminate germs.
Virtual check-ins are also a possibility. Alternatively, a rope or other mark will keep guests at a safe distance while interacting with staff.
The frequency of cleaning and disinfection will increase, particularly in shared areas of the hotel, such as elevators, lobby, restaurants, and bars.
Standard operations such as check-in and -out times, which are usually done at certain times of the day, must be rearranged to avoid people concentrating in one area.
Hotels will most likely operate at a limited capacity. Guest occupancy rate will be capped to ensure more social distancing.
See also: Is your home making you sick?
While asymptomatic guests might pass this test, screening guests for temperature might be a possibility. And, of course, staff will be screened as well.
Hotel staff and guests might have to interact through a plexiglass screen or something similar. These will be most likely installed at the front desk.
Room service might become a good alternative to avoid contact with other guests–though guests must be satisfied that the whole process is handled as safely as possible.
What staying in a hotel will look like post-pandemic
From online check-ins to cleaning robots
LIFESTYLE Covid-19
Many of us dream about the day the COVID-19 pandemic will end and we can finally go on vacation. With that in mind, we still want to make sure we're safe, and that the accommodation we book complies with all the necessary standards of cleanliness. Life post-coronavirus might be a bit hard to imagine, but with new hygiene standards and potentially accreditation on the way, we will likely feel safer and relaxed.
Browse through the following gallery and discover what hotels around the world are doing, and what's coming up to ensure everyone stays safe.