HOW HOTEL STAYS WILL DIFFER POST COVID-19

As hotels begin to open up all over the world, bookings are being made, bags are being packed and excitement is beginning to rise. But what will the hotel stay actually look like post Covid-19? We check in…

Arriving

The happy, smiley faces that usually greets guests from behind a desk will be replaced by self check-in via an App, which could also double up as your room key to avoid cross contamination. Some hotels will also check your temperature on arrival – be prepared to be turned away if your temp is up or you are exhibiting symptoms.

Cleaning

Cleaning will be key to hotels staying open - and not just any cleaning but deep cleaning using special equipment. Some hotels are even introducing cleaning robots to regularly disinfect common areas. The cleaning process will also be more regular, with remote controls, light switches and door handles disinfected thoroughly between stays.

Your room

Rooms may also be sealed post sanitisation to give guests extra confidence - rip the strip of paper off the door before entering. Inside, things will be kept minimal with no pen and paper on desks, magazines on tables, little bottles of loveliness in bathrooms (shampoo, conditioner and body wash is likely to be attached to a wall), extra pillows in cupboards or booze in mini bars (sniff). Some hotels have also introduced Alexa in the rooms to control lights, TVs and music stations.

Staff

Staff will be temperature checked on arrival with management instructed to send anybody that is exhibiting symptoms or feeling unwell home. Those that are working will be doning masks and staying two metres apart from guests and each other, where possible. Staff will also be required to use hand sanitizer regularly and begin each shift in a clean uniform.

Food and drink

The biggest change in the food and drink department will be the buffet breakfast, which will be banished in favour of plated meals (how are we going to steal a banana and a yoghurt now?). Room service will also be encouraged, with trays placed outside doors and no signature required. Some hotels are also doing away with the room service fee. Anyone wishing to enjoy an evening meal in the hotel’s restaurant will be able to do so, with social distancing in place and pre-bookings necessary. Sit-up bar areas will sadly be closed.

Gyms and pools

Most gyms and pools will be able to open but strict measures will make things a little different. Bookings will be necessary – even to take a dip - and guests will be encouraged to come sporting their gym wear or “beach ready” (i.e. with their costume under their clothes).  In the pool, lanes will be widened, butterfly stroke will be banned (all that splashing…) and loungers – which must be placed 2 metres apart - wiped down between guests.  In the gym, hand sanitizer will be readily available and equipment will be spaced out to 3 metres. A one-way system may also be introduced and aerobics classes put on hold.

Childcare

We all love a kids’ club on holiday – time out for you; fun for them… but these could be a thing of the past, particularly amongst small children who find social distancing difficult. Some sports clubs for teenagers may be able to stay open if activities are taken outside and social distancing is respected.