With sanitation and disinfection at the forefront of preventing coronavirus spread in many publicly accessible spaces, Hilton Worldwide Holdings (HLT 4.01%) is launching its CleanStay program to reassure guests at its 6,100 hotels of a safe, microorganism-free stay. The new initiative will roll out in alliance with Lysol producer Reckitt Benckiser (RKT 2.92%) and the Mayo Clinic.
Hit hard when the coronavirus pandemic caused a massive drop in travel, Hilton reported an approximate 45% plunge in revenue per available room in the first quarter of 2020. Now, using the advice from RB and Mayo, the hospitality company is developing cleaning procedures to greatly improve room hygiene.
Image source: Hilton Worldwide.
"High touch" surfaces in guest rooms will get intensive disinfection and deep cleaning under the new CleanStay regimen. Rooms given the upgraded CleanStay scrubbing will have a special seal put on the door so guests know the room hasn't been entered since it was disinfected. Ultraviolet light and disinfecting mists may be used for some surfaces.
The press release identifies 10 room features that will get enhanced cleaning:
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Switches and electronic controls such as light switches
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Handles, including door handles and drawer knobs
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Bathroom fixtures like toilet seats, shower controls, and faucets
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Thermostats
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Telephones
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Beds and bedclothes
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Soap dishes, hair dryers, and other bathroom items
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Tables and desks
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Closet items including the clothes iron
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Ice buckets, coffeemakers, and other food and beverage items
Housekeeping will clean public areas more frequently, with fitness centers potentially sanitized several times daily. Hilton plans to use contactless check-in, while guests will find sanitizing wipes near frequently touched surfaces, such as elevator keypads. Paper items like notepads and telephone books will be replaced with digital equivalents. CleanStay is expected to be live at Hilton hotels by June.
