Contactless service and advanced technology show the way forward for housekeeping: Kumar

For hoteliers the well-being and health of guests and staff are of the utmost importance. And even more so at the time of a pandemic. Housekeeping may seem as a very simple task involving changing the bedding and bringing fresh towels to many. But as hotels begin to reopen, it is the housekeeping department which is ensuring that all the renewed safety standards are being implemented to win the confidence of the guests. It would be an understatement to say that housekeepers are the real Covid19 warriors. 

How will you ensure frequent sanitization along with social distancing and guests’ requirement for privacy? 

The top priority for welcoming guests and colleagues back to Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa is doing it safely. Through our dedicated guest communication, we inform them about our commitment to upholding the highest standards of cleanliness in an effort to ensure our colleagues and guests enjoy a healthy, safe and comfortable environment. We have enhanced guestroom cleaning protocols and minimized the number of times hotel teams enter guestrooms, we allow guests to schedule housekeeping service as and when they require. 

With regard to physical distancing, we also have signages and floor decals placed in appropriate areas to guide guests. 

How much has the role of technology increased in housekeeping?

Contactless services are now more important than ever, and the advanced technology available has helped us to follow efficiently. Our integrated system holds procedures and checklists in one place which makes updating, tracking, inspections and communication quicker and more productive.          

What are the new strategies adopted to ensure stricter hygiene?

Guided by Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment we have made significant changes to the way our hotel is cleaned to ensure the highest levels of cleanliness and hygiene. We have prominently placed hand sanitizer stations, provide face masks, and will increase cleaning as well as social distancing measures in high-traffic areas of the hotel such as elevators, the restaurant, restrooms and other public areas. We clean and sanitize with hospital-grade disinfectants, guestroom décor and amenities are curated to remove some extraneous high-touch items, while still providing the high-quality experience.

 How are you planning to ensure the routine cleaning of blinds, carpets, towels etc in the post Covid19 safety standard? 

As the Housekeeping and the Hygiene Manager, I ensure we follow training and protocols by Hyatt’s Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment. All rooms are thoroughly cleaned with hospital-grade disinfectants after guests’ check-out, which include blinds, carpets, all contact areas and linens. Guests can also schedule housekeeping service as and when they require.

Visuals of cleaning were not a routine sight for the guests earlier, how will the same be done now? 

We use both technology and prominently placed signages ensure our guests of our commitment to their Safety & Wellbeing. Instructions to follow, contactless services and safety protocols are communicated creatively and effectively.      

How will the high touch areas be dealt with? 

We have implemented changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of guests during their stay. There are social distancing measures in high-footfall areas such as the lobby, elevators, restaurant and the restrooms. We have increased the cleaning and sanitization frequency on high-touch surfaces and high-traffic guest and colleague areas and have hand sanitizer stations prominently placed throughout the hotel.