Hilton today became the latest hotel company to announce a new hygiene programme designed to reassure existing travellers and tempt back those who will be looking to travel in coming months.
It includes room seals to demonstrate to guests that no one has accessed the room subsequent to the room being cleaned.
To create the new initiative, Hilton has teamed up with RB, the maker of Lysol and Dettol, as well as having a consultation with the Mayo Clinic “to develop elevated processes”.
The new programme, which begins in June, is called “Hilton Clean Stay with Lysol protection” in North America and “Hilton Clean Stay” in the rest of the world.
Hilton says that the programme will be “…a rigorous system that incorporates RB’s trusted know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team will advise and assist in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols”.
Hilton says the goal of the new programme is “to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind when they stay at any of Hilton’s more than 6,100 properties representing 18 brands. The initiative will create a focus on cleanliness that will be visible to guests throughout their entire stay – in their guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms and in other public spaces.”
Hilton admits that “full details for the programme are still in development and expected to be announced soon”. It says, however, that “hotel brand standards under consideration” include:
- A room seal. This will add “an extra measure of assurance by placing a room seal on doors to indicate to guests that their room has not been accessed since being thoroughly cleaned.”
- Extra cleaning of high touch areas. This includes light switches, door handles, TV remotes and thermostats.
- The removal of paper amenities and pens including the guest directory. On request, gusts can access a digital alternative, or be supplied with physical items.
- Improved disinfecting of the hotel fitness centre / gym. This may mean “possibly closing for cleaning multiple times daily and limiting the number of guests allowed in at one time”.
- Increasing the frequency of cleaning public areas.
- Providing stations for disinfecting wipes at main entrances and key high traffic areas (eg: close to the elevator button before pressing).
- Contactless Check-In: Hilton will increase its Digital Key technology for guests who want to have a contactless arrival experience.
- New technology: Hilton is investigating new electrostatic sprayers which use an electrostatically charged disinfecting mist – and ultraviolet light to sanitise surfaces and objects.
In addition, hotel staff will be provided with personal protective equipment and enhanced training designed to protect their well-being.
