With the May 2021 update from the CDC stating that those who are fully vaccinated no longer need to wear masks or physically distance themselves from others, many states are now reviewing the new federal guidelines with their state Health Departments and health experts in neighboring states.
What does this mean for hotels and motels as it relates to hotel supplies and sanitation practices?
Not much yet, or potentially, ever.
It’s important to note that at the time of publishing, just 37% of the United States population is fully vaccinated, meaning the majority of those traveling are not fully vaccinated and are perfectly capable of contracting the virus and passing it to others.
As it relates to hotel supplies and provided amenities, it’s possible that the traditional use of high-touch items may never go back to exactly “normal.” As we move forward from the pandemic, it’s likely that consumers will have a heightened baseline of expectations for health, safety, and sanitation when it comes to public surfaces, and will pay closer attention to those things which we once happily ignored.
Hotel supply products include much more than hotel pools, restaurants, spas, and common areas. The amenities you typically provide in guest rooms – a mini bar, toiletries, etc, should still be treated with caution. Continue stocking PPE (personal protective equipment) kits in guest rooms before your guests arrive with masks, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes. And if you typically provide items like pens, remote controls, and toiletry products, you may also need to adapt the way you provide them. Consider single-use and disposable toiletries for guests rather than multi-use bottles, which can be difficult and time consuming to clean properly between guests.
For now:
- Do continue the practice of utilizing a “sanitized” and “used” separation of pens for guests at the front desk.
- Do continue only using room keys in a single use capacity; no recycling.
- Do maintain your rigorous hygiene practices and safety protocols for employees and guests.
- Do carefully evaluate the amenities you put in hotel rooms
- Do ask those who are and are not fully vaccinated to continue to abide by CDC guidelines for public health.
Unsure about how to help your hotel continue functioning successfully during these changing times? Download our Free Hotel Checklist. This list provides your hotel with information on how to keep your doors open safely and successfully.
Many of the items on our hotel checklist are available for purchase on our new website.
