AIC Hotel Group announced the implementation of enhanced operational protocols, in addition to the existing sanitation standards, across its brands at the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels, UNICO 20 ̊87 ̊ Hotel Riviera Mayaand Nobu Hotel Los Cabos. Each hotel has developed a comprehensive, enhanced cleanliness and sanitation plan that consists of added precautionary measures throughout all aspects of the guest and team member experience, following best practices and guidelines put forth by the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control.
“As our industry gears up for its return, it is imperative we take every necessary additional precaution to keep our guests and employees safe,” said Frank Maduro, vice president of Marketing at AIC Hotel Group in a press statement. “Our hotel teams have worked hand-in-hand with local and national authorities, while adhering to globally recognized guidelines to devise a number of added measures to provide a world-class vacation experience.”
In addition to the following procedures, protocols and preventive measures, the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels implemented the global Hard Rock SAFE + SOUND program powered by Ecolab, which includes detailed guidelines and protocols followed by all branded properties around the world. UNICO 20º87º Hotel Riviera Maya rolled out the S.A.F.E. experience, which stands for safe and friendly environment experience, establishing and reinforcing enhanced protocols that bring guests the confidence they need to enjoy the hotel to its fullest.
Procedures, Protocols and Preventive Measures
Guest & Employee Health: Antibacterial hand-sanitizing stations will be placed throughout all areas of the hotel, with additional signage throughout back-of-house and guest areas reminding everyone of important health and hygiene protocols such as handwashing and physical distancing. Physical contact will be minimized as much as possible, and we will continue to provide an onsite 24/7 doctor to provide medical assistance as needed.
Employee Protocols: All hotelstaff have received thorough training on the enhanced protocols, in addition to training on identifying any flu or virus-like symptoms and following a firm procedure on reporting to a medical official. Staff will also continue to receive training on global standards of sanitation set forth by third parties such as Ecolab and NSF. In addition to ongoing training, employees will be closely monitored for any symptoms (including a temperature reading) on a daily basis, and will be required to wear the appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) based on their roles and responsibilities.
Cleaning Protocols and Sanitation: The hotels use cleaning products such as Ecolab and standards that meet EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines and are approved for use and effective against viruses, bacteria and other airborne and bloodborne pathogens. They have increased the frequency of deep-cleaning and disinfecting all common areas, public spaces and guestrooms (in addition to back of house areas) with an emphasis on high-contact surfaces such as front desk check-in counters, elevators and elevator buttons, door handles, public bathrooms, room keys and locks, ATMs, handrails, tables, gym equipment, dining surfaces, seating areas, pool chairs and more.
Physical Distancing: Guests and employees are instructed to practice physical distancing by standing six feet away from other groups who are not traveling with them; this includes while standing in lines, waiting for elevators (including limited capacity), or walking throughout the hotel. Additionally, furniture placement throughout all common areas and back-of-house has been rearranged to allow for increased spacing, including redesigned layouts for meetings and events.
Guest Experience: Every step of the guest journey has its own set of defined protocols that will ensure the safety and wellbeing of guests and employees, while maintaining the level of service that guests have come to expect. This includes the in-house transfer company, luggage disinfection, non-invasive temperature readings via a thermal camera, a pristine check-in process, strictly enforced hygiene and physical distancing practices throughout the spa, salon, fitness center, pool and beach areas, shows, entertainment and more.
F&B: The hotels will continue to reinforce internationally recognized methods of identifying and managing food safety related risk, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP), and adhering to strict global brand standards in addition to third-party standards such as NSF. Select services such as buffet and teppanyaki have been eliminated, while in-room dining will now be contactless with enhanced menu options.
For more detailed information on each hotel’s protocols, please click on the links below.
Hotels worldwide are changing their procedures prior to reopening. Palladium Group has also put out new guidelines, click here to read about the changes, and here for the updates on RIU Hotels & Resorts. And, don’t miss the protocols guests will now have to follow when flying.
