Marriott International announced a multi-pronged platform of new cleanliness standards and behaviors to meet the new health and safety issues as a result of the current COVID-19 crisis. Marriott Global Cleanliness Council will help tackle the challenges presented by the situation and minimize risk for hotel guests and Marriott associates. Ray Bennett, chief global officer, global operations, will chair the council, along with other senior leaders from Marriott and advisory members from a number of different specialties.

Enhanced technologies will roll out over the next few months. Electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant will sanitize surfaces throughout hotels, and the company is testing ultraviolet light technology for sanitizing keys and other shared devices. All surface areas will be rigorously cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectant in shared spaces and guestrooms, and disinfecting wipes will be in each room. Lobby signage will remind guests of social-distancing protocols and furniture will be rearranged to create more space. Partitions will be added at front desks and more hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the property. Guests can also use their phones to check-in, access rooms and make other requests to minimize contact. Enhanced sanitation and modified operational practices will also apply to food safety.

Similarly, other major hotel brands instituted similar policies. Hilton Worldwide increased the frequency of cleaning public areas, uses hospital-grade disinfectant and increased hand sanitizer usage. The company also collaborated with RB, maker of Lysol and Dettol, for the Hilton CleanStay with Lysol program. And Hilton is consulting with the Mayo Clinic to advise on cleaning and disinfection protocols.

Hyatt Hotels Corp. engaged a third-party cleaning provider to conduct deep cleanings across high-traffic areas. At InterContinental Hotels Group, response teams provide 24-hour assistance at properties to increase the frequency of cleaning public areas and high-touch points in guestrooms.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ new Stay with Peace of Mind program will heighten sanitization and hygiene measures. Each property will have a Guest Guardian to perform internal audits based on rigid guidelines. The brand will use Environmental Protection Agency-approved disinfectants and also employ electrostatic spray technology. Anantara is working with Siam Ocean Technology to introduce the latest in a HVAC system with high-performance air filtration and more. Limousine transfers, fitness classes, dining outlets and boutiques will also adapt to new cleanliness policies.

Kempinski Hotels’ Kempinski White Glove Service includes a comprehensive guidebook to detail the meticulous measures to be taken across all departments of the hotels to ensure guest and employee safety.

Will a hotel’s cleanliness policy play a part in your future travel decisions? How important are these standards to you? What other cleanliness initiatives would you like to see implemented? Tell us about it. Email us at letters@globaltravelerusa.com. Please include your full name and location.