Marriott International has more than 7,000 hotels across 30 brands such as Ritz-Carlton, W, and Westin, in 134 countries around the world so the chances are pretty good you've stayed in one of these before! Being such a global company in the time of Covid-19 means cleanliness has to be the utmost priority in terms of resuming operations. And Marriott is doing just that, creating the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council, staffed by Marriott execs and advisory members from healthcare, hospitality and even food safety sectors. Here's a quote from Ray Bennett, head of Marriott's Global Operations about the work of the council.
“Through the council and scientific advice of experts, we are taking a thoughtful approach to set an even higher bar of cleanliness and develop new guest interaction protocols. The Marriott Global Cleanliness Council is focused on more than just disinfection across the hotel, we are providing a holistic approach designed to take care of our guests and associates.”
Yet lots of that approach will include technology like electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces and the use of mobille keys where guests can open guestroom doors. Front desks may see the addition of plexiglass partitions, buffets will be paused for a while and hand sanitizer will be everywhere.
Here are the other practices Marriott hotels are putting in place as they reopen around the world:
SURFACE AREAS
COVID-19 has raised awareness about the importance of high-touch surface cleanliness. In public spaces, the company has added to its already rigorous cleaning protocols, requiring that surfaces are thoroughly treated with hospital-grade disinfectants and that this cleaning is done with increased frequency. In guest rooms, the company has likewise added to its rigorous protocols, requiring that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants. Marriott will also be placing disinfecting wipes in each room for guests’ personal use.
GUEST CONTACT:
The CDC and WHO warn about direct, person-to-person contact as the primary way COVID-19 is spread. To help alleviate the risk of transmission this way, the company will be using signage in its lobbies to remind guests to maintain social distancing protocols and removing or re-arranging furniture to allow more space for distancing. Marriott is also evaluating adding partitions at front desks to provide an extra level of precaution for our guests and associates and is working with supply chain partners to make masks and gloves available to associates. The company is installing more hand sanitizing stations at the entrances to its hotels, near the front desk, elevator banks and fitness and meeting spaces. In addition, in over 3,200 of Marriott’s hotels, guests can choose to use their phones to check in, access their rooms, make special requests and order room service that will be specially packaged and delivered right to the door without contact.
FOOD SAFETY:
Marriott’s food safety program includes enhanced sanitation guidelines and training videos for all operational associates that includes hygiene and disinfecting practices. At Marriott, all food handlers and supervisors are trained on safe food preparation and service practices. Marriott’s food and beverage operations are required to conduct self-inspection using the company’s food safety standards as guidelines, and compliance is validated by independent audits. In addition, the company is modifying its operational practices for in-room dining and designing new approaches to buffets.
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