ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

Increased cleaning frequencies using hospital-grade disinfectants are among new measures being announced by major hotel groups.

Best Western and Hyatt are among the chains planning to use stronger cleaning products on high-touch surfaces, in shared spaces and in guest rooms while also making hand sanitiser available for guests.

By September every Hyatt hotel is expected to have a hygiene manager in place to ensure that the property adheres to the company's new guidelines. These may include social distancing, prominent hand sanitiser placement, new food safety and hygiene protocols plus increased cleaning frequency with hospital-grade disinfectants.

"We must critically examine the hotel experience from every vantage point - from our rooms and our lobbies to our spas and dining areas - bringing in the latest research, technology and innovation to make that happen," said Hyatt president and CEO Mark Hoplamazian.

Meanwhile Marriott will be using electrostatic sprayers to sanitise its guest rooms, lobbies, gyms and other public areas while US hotel chain Wyndham has announced a new initiative called "Count on Us". This includes ramping up cleaning and disinfection procedures for guest rooms and public spaces while also providing easy access to health essentials.

The chain will supply face masks for the use of hotel employees as well as disinfectant wipes and hand sanitiser for guests. Wyndham is also set to partner with Ecolab to use its disinfectants across all guest rooms and public spaces.

And Best Western's "We Care Clean" plan includes enhanced sanitisation procedures at its front desk and lobby areas; upgraded grab-and-go breakfast offerings and stricter cleaning of all public amenities such as pools and fitness centres.