5 Ways Hotels are Changing Because of the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic had been hard on our lives. The hotel industry is not far behind. There had been travel restrictions due to which people were not going out for vacations. A strict lockdown had changed the lives of people and has also affected businesses. It’s wise to know what to expect!

According to a case study in Vietnam, the paid quarantine services can help to some extent.

It’s important to understand how hotels may change so that if you are running a hotel, you can maintain your business.

Read on for more information.

#1. Cleaning Protocols

The hotels need to tighten the cleaning protocols. The hand sanitizers have to be on display where the guests can easily access them. Plus, based on the rules and regulations of the state, wearing masks can be compulsory in indoor areas. You have to keep an eye on the rules and regulations so that you are doing everything you can for the success and growth of the business. In fact, in tough times it’s hard to maintain the business so you have to do everything you possibly can.

The guests can visit your hotel if they are sure of the cleanliness. Frequently visited areas of the hotel need proper cleaning. You have to convince the guests that your hotel is safe and it must be!

#2. Change in Food Services

You may have noticed a change in the dining services! Usually, grab and go is preferred by the customers during such circumstances as it wasn’t allowed to dine in. So, if you were providing a complimentary breakfast buffet then a safe alternative is better! However, as the restrictions gradually ease down, you may notice things returning to normal.

When it comes to food services, it’s important to keep an eye on the news and see how you can serve the customers better. Plus, you can think of ideas that limit the contact betwee staff and the guests so that you can provide food safely. For example, they can order food in their room.

#3. Maintaining Social Distance

Your guests need to maintain a safe social distance. So, you have to hang up signs everywhere that act as a reminder. You have to constantly remind your guests about maintaining a safe social distance while in your hotel lobby or anywhere that’s crowded.

If your guests prefer outdoor services and there is enough space available then you can think of focusing on the outdoor area of your hotel. For example, companies can plan events in the outdoor area of your hotel where they can easily maintain the social distance. You have to creative here and see how you can take advantage of the outdoor space.

#4. Focus on Online Presence

You may not worry about your online presence previously, but now it’s a must. To survive the cutthroat competition and to achieve a competitive edge in the industry, you have to maintain your online presence. You can sign up on different social media platforms and interact with potential customers. The goal here is to remain in the sight of your customers. Your customers may forget you if you don’t remind them of your services.

When guests leave reviews online, it can help your business. The reviews give an idea about the services of a business. So, when guests leave positive reviews others would know that your hotel is providing great services!

#5. Touchless Services  

Aim for the touchless services! It means that you can launch an app for your hotel or talk to the employees online rather than in-person. You can try to limit contact between your staff and the customers. You can let the guests contact you via website or an app where you can understand and solve their queries.

It’s important to keep pace with the fast changing world. You may notice that famous brands are trying to launch apps that are making the life of customers a lot easier than before. You can invest in the latest technology and in turn it can help in making the business better.

Other Changes

The hotels need to make sure that there guests are comfortable, which is why it’s a good idea to get feedback from the guests. Ask them what changes they expect! After all, it’s for them that you are trying your best then why not ask the guests directly.

You may need to limit the use of spa facilities or the pool area! Or only 2 members from the family can use it at a time while maintaining social distance. Also, they can book an appointment prior to the visit. You have to clean the areas after each guest use it!

You may also need to limit the valet parking services in some instances. But when the restrictions are relaxed you can gradually return to normal activities depending on what’s allowed. Also, it’s better to take customer survey and ask them what services they want on immediate basis.

The safety of the guests has to be your utmost priority. In short, you need to do everything that can keep your hotel neat and clean. It’s all about maintaining cleanliness so that you can thrive during the pandemic. Hang up signs that encourage washing and sanitizing of the hands. When the staff and guests are following the cleaning protocols too, it will be a lot easier for the hotels as well. Thus, make sure you have hand sanitizers available in your hotel!  

Wrapping It Up

Surely, the pandemic has changed our lives and the hotels need to strive. The hotels need to follow the cleaning protocols and design the outdoor spaces so that they have something to offer to the guests. It’s important to keep pace with the fast changing world and that’s why the hotels must consider in launching apps that can help the guests get the services without being in direct contact with the staff! When the pandemic is over things will be better, but meanwhile the hotels need to try their best and come up with the strategies that can help the businesses survive!