Loews Hotels, which as of the end of 2019 said groups accounted for approximately 42 percent of its business, has introduced enhanced safety and cleanliness protocols. The company also is part of the American Hotels & Lodging Association Safe Stay advisory council, which released its industrywide cleanliness standards May 4.
Loews' program is similar to other hotel company protocols; the company is conducting more frequent cleanings and using a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved cleaning and disinfectant product created by Ecolab, which it said is effective against emerging viral pathogens and Covid-19. Additionally, staff are required to wear masks, hand sanitizer stations have been added to high-traffic guest areas, the number of passengers at one time in elevators will be limited, and room service will be delivered in disposable to-go eco-friendly containers and left at the guestroom door for a contactless experience.
Currently, for meetings of 50 or fewer people, all rooms will be set classroom-style and adhere to physical distancing. There are no more buffets, and food instead will be individually wrapped. Coffee, tea and accompaniments will be served by staff. Meals will be served in the same room as the meeting.
In addition, rooms will remain vacant for 48 hours after guest check-out, and guests are encouraged to use Loews' Chat Your Service app, which allows them to use their smartphones to communicate with room service, concierge and the front desk. Also, all vendors are required to wear a mask and gloves when in a Loews hotel, and there are mandatory temperature checks for staff and vendors using thermal no-touch scanners. No staff or vendor with a fever of 100.3 degrees or higher will be admitted to the building or allowed to return until they have gone 72 hours fever-free, without the use of fever suppressants.
Loews will continue to adapt, adhere and adjust to guidelines from the World Health Organization. the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and local authorities, it said.
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