Hotels will be back open shortly – but they’ll look very different
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Hotel chains are gearing up to re-open their doors from July 4, but they'll look a lot different after implementing a number of strict rules.
Hotels were given the go-ahead to welcome customers back for the first time in months as the lockdown restrictions in England continue to ease.
The experience in some of the country's most popular chains will be far cry to that at the start of the year, with a number of stringent cleaning rules in place.
If you are looking at staying with Premier Inn, Holiday Inn or Travelodge in the near future, here's what you need to know ahead of your trip.
Premier Inn are taking a number of steps to ensure the safety of its guests and staff as they re-open to the public on July 4.
The budget hotel chain have launched their CleanProtect promise which involves a rigorous cleaning regime.
Reception desks will be protected by perspex screens, social distancing measures will be in place and auto-dispense hand sanitisers will also be made available in public areas.
Surfaces that are regularly touched, for example check-in kiosks, lift controls, door handles and handrails, will be cleaned by Diversey-approved disinfectants to the European standard.
Air conditioning and heating controls, TV remotes, door handles and desks in individual rooms will also be routinely cleaned.
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All linen will be washed at temperatures exceeding 60 degrees and with disinfectant detergent.
All extra pillows will also be removed and shower curtains will be replaced at the end of every stay.
Staff will also be given PPE equipment including gloves, aprons and hand sanitiser.
Currently, there is no government guidance on the need to wear face masks in a hotel setting, but all staff have been provided with face masks in case they wish to wear them.
Some of Premier Inn's hotels have been open throughout the pandemic for key workers.
IHG, the owners of Holiday Inn, have published the measures it will be taking when bookings resume next month.
At reception, there will be reduced contact at check-in, touchless transactions, front desk screens, sanitiser stations, sanitised key-cards and paperless check-out.
Staff will also be working hard to deep clean areas of high-touch surfaces and social distancing measures will be observed.
A ‘last cleaned’ chart will also be used and best practices for pools, fitness centres and lounges will be followed.
In-room furnishings and high-touch items will be removed and new laundry protocols will be put in place, and guests will have access to individual amenity cleaning kits.
Electrostatic technology – a new way to apply cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants to help treat surfaces – will be used as well.
IHG will also be implementing new standards and service approach to buffets, banquets, room-service and catering.
Customers can now make bookings at Travelodge hotels in England from July 4.
Travelodge's Protect+ scheme will help enable its customers remain safe during their stay.
Staff will be using antiviral disinfectant effective against coronavirus to clean surfaces, with high-touch points in public areas and bedrooms cleaned more frequently.
In order to ensure the highest standards, post-clean room checks with digital tracking will be implemented.
And all linen and towels will be thermally disinfected while hand sanitiser stations will be located in key locations for customers.
Every team member will also undergo comprehensive training on cleaning, hygiene and social distancing.
Social distancing measures throughout the hotel will be followed, and there will be distancing floor signage and protective screens at check in.
PPE will also be provided to all hotel team members.