Spa booking experts SpaSeekers have revealed what a hotel stay will be like with new guidelines in place.
According to VisitBritain, the hospitality industry is predicted to be at a loss of £22.1 billion because of the effects of COVID-19.
With hotels and spas now allowed to officially reopen, here at 10 things that guests can expect from visiting a hotel post-lockdown.
1. Wellness surveys before guests arrive
Hotels are looking at asking clientele about their health history before they attend. It’s very likely that hotels will want to know if they have had any symptoms, are high-risk, or have been exposed to somebody with the virus at any point in recent weeks.
2. Socially distanced check-in
Guests will be given a check-in slot to avoid too many people congregating and bottlenecking in the same space. Check-in will be contactless, which could mean potentially seeing an uprise in the number of hotels using self-service technology and apps to aid with check-in.
3. One way routes, less furniture and more DIY!
To avoid unnecessarily touching surfaces, guests may have to get used to a bit more DIY – from taking their own bags to their rooms and no door holding for others (no matter how un-British it might feel). Walking around the hotel may also look a little different from normal, with reduced furniture, one-way routes marked out and hand sanitising stations.
4. 72-hour gaps between rooms
A 72-hour wait per room could also be introduced so that after rigorous cleaning and additional measures such as changing duvets, the rooms will be sealed and no one allowed to enter until the next guest, ensuring cleanliness and peace of mind. As well as this, having reduced occupancy at the hotel and spa means less chance of crossing paths. This means there is a lot more focus on the client and more space to safely relax and enjoy spa life.
5. Did somebody order room service?
Hotels will be encouraging guests to order room service rather than use hotel restaurants, as a way to encourage them to stay in their rooms to prevent cross-contamination. Single-use amenities should replace reusable glasses and mugs for added safety.
6. Book a slot at the swimming pool
Swimming pools, although chlorinated will be closely monitored to ensure they are kept as hygienic as possible. Guests may be asked to book a slot in pools, gyms, saunas and hydrotherapy pools to ensure social distancing can be adhered to as much as possible.
7. Increased cleaning practices
In between guests cleaners will be taking extra measures to ensure rooms are safe and clean. This will involve thoroughly cleaning throughout rooms, with antibacterial products being used throughout. Rooms will be kitted out with hand sanitiser, gloves and disposable masks for added reassurance.
8. Face shields on staff
It’s the ‘new normal’ to see people in PPE, such as face masks and gloves, and hotels will be no different. Face shields, masks and gloves on staff should be used to ensure both their own safety, as well as the guests.
So, although things may look very different, what hasn’t changed is the hotel industry’s focus on helping clients enjoy their time away from home, whether that be for business or pleasure. Making sure they unwind in a life of luxury whilst continuing to ensure guest and staff safety is paramount.
