The hotel industry has faced huge losses during the Covid 19 pandemic. The fact that many countries were locked down, there were strict rules implemented concerning the operation of hotels. This forced many hotels to lay off most of their workers.
This caused the unemployment rate to rise in several countries. As the restrictions begin to be lifted, some hotels have put in place measures to ensure the safety of both staff and guests. Some features are likely to be retained and others will be taken off completely. Well, I will be providing you with some of the major changes you may or may not meet when visiting a hotel.
1.Front desk checks In.
The usual front desk check-ins would be a thing of the past. This is to ensure less physical interaction with the hotel staff and the guests. There will be security personnel checking temperatures and ensuring that guests wash their hands properly in places provided and also use available sanitizers.
In addition to this, most hotels have a digital way for guests to check in on the phones drastically reducing physical contact with staff.
2.Key cards.
The era of key cards is slowly coming to an end, with hotels finding new ways to operate under the Covid 19 pandemic. The key cards in question can be a medium for transmitting the virus as it passes many hands before it gets to the guests. The hotel industry has come up with digital key cards and mobile scans that let guests access rooms.
3.Sold out hotels.
Sold out signs are some of the things that have become normalcy at hotels. The adherence to the social distancing protocols has reduced the number of rooms available in a hotel. With the issue of reduced capacity, the hotel management frequently posts sold out signs on online booking platforms and hotel premises. It is prudent to get your booking prepared at least a week or two before you plan to stay in a hotel.
4.In-room coffee making machine and minibar.
Sole convenient machines and items may also be unavailable in hotels. Good examples include a minibar and a coffee making machine. These items are used by several people at a time and it is an easy medium for virus transmission. Hence, most hotel management has taken such items from rooms to ensure the safety and health of guests are protected.
5.A lot of sanitizers.
Sanitizers are everywhere now. From the entrance of the hotel to the washroom. It is a necessity that looks like it would be staying for some time. Hotels have high-grade alcoholic sanitizers placed at vantage points in the hotel to ensure that guests and staff are well protected. It allows people to take care by observing the Covid 19 protocol of always using a sanitizer. Some hotels even give out complimentary hand sanitizers.
6.Areas to practice handwashing.
Another new thing you should expect is the compulsory washing of hands and temperature check that is made at the entrance to hotels to ensure guests can enter. It is also one of the foremost protocols that need to be observed by the hotel management. Hotels have sinks orzteas where guests can wash hands before entry into any room or building on the hotel property.