The Hilton Hotels group has announced a new program to deliver an industry-defining standard of cleanliness and disinfection in its hotels.
The hotel group will collaborate with the makers of Lysol and Dettol, and consult with the Mayo Clinic, to develop heightened cleaning processes and team member training to help guests enjoy a cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out.
Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team will advise and assist in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols.
The goal of Hilton CleanStay is to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind when they stay at any of Hilton’s more than 6100 properties representing 18 brands.
“Our first priority has always been the safety of our guests and team members,” said Hilton chief executive Christopher Nassetta.
“Hilton CleanStay builds on the best practices and protocols we’ve developed over the last several months, allowing our guests to rest easy with us and focus on enjoying the unforgettable experiences we have to offer – while protecting our team members who are on the front lines of hospitality.”
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 CleanStay was developed to meet evolving consumer expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Research indicates that consumers have heightened concerns regarding hygiene on their journey, and trust in cleanliness standards will be critical to restarting travel.
While full details for the program are still in development, and expected to be announced soon, hotel brand standards under consideration include:
Hilton CleanStay room seal
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.
10 high-touch, deep clean areas
Extra disinfection of the most frequently touched guests room areas – light switches, door handles, TV remotes, thermostats and more.
De-clutter paper amenities
Remove pen, paper and guest directory; supplement with digital or available upon request.
Focus on fitness centres
Improved guidelines for disinfecting the hotel fitness centre, possibly closing for cleaning multiple times daily and limiting the number of guests allowed in at one time.
Clean and clean again
Increase the frequency of cleaning public areas.
Guest-accessible disinfecting wipes
Provide stations at primary entrances and key high traffic areas, for instance, a station to allow guests to wipe the lift button before pressing.
Contactless check-in
Hilton will double-down on its digital key technology for guests who desire to have a contactless arrival experience. Guests can check in, choose their room, access their room with a digital room key and check out using their mobile devices through the Hilton mobile app at participating hotels. Hilton will continue to expand its digital key capabilities to common doors and access points throughout the hotels.
Innovative disinfection technologies
Hilton is exploring the addition of new technologies, such as electrostatic sprayers – which use an electrostatically charged disinfecting mist – and ultraviolet light to sanitise surfaces and objects.
What do you think of these new cleaning measures? Will they give you the confidence to consider travelling again?
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