On April 20, Marriott International, the world’s largest hotel chain, rolled out its plan to elevate its cleanliness standards and practices to meet new health and safety guidelines and guest expectations presented by the coronavirus pandemic that, as of early April, led to a nearly 80% decline in hotel occupancy in the United States, according to estimates by the hospitality analytics company STR.
Leaving aside the question of why it took a pandemic for Marriott to realize its cleanliness standards needed improving, the plan illustrates how all hoteliers will need to regain guests’ confidence that their properties are safe enough to stay in again without fear of viral infection.
Hotel developers are not sure yet when or to what degree their businesses will recover. They have their fingers crossed that it’s sooner than 2023, which is when Tourism Economics, a data and consulting firm, predicts global travel demand might resume its normal pace.
Urban hotels face more hurdles opening amid the coronavirus
“It is possible that hotels, focused on select service, in less dense, suburban areas might bounce back sooner due to price point, accessibility, and with a building structure that accommodates larger guest rooms and easier access via stairs,” says Shay Lam, Managing Director and Studio Creative Director for New York-based TPG Architecture, which is working on several hospitality projects that are scheduled to open this year, with a focus on responding to post COVID-19 realities.
Urban destinations, on the other hand, might have a harder time reactivating, says Lam. “Everything from density concerns to elevator capacity, and guest room sizes are challenges to overcome. This will all hinge on the industry’s ability to reassure guests that safety and security are paramount.”
To make their facilities safer, TPG is recommending to its hospitality clients that they address changes in three stages: “now,” “near,” and “future.”
“Right now, we are focusing on pragmatic changes such as reducing density in public areas that experience a high-volume of traffic,” says Lam. “We’re also adding clear signage for protocols such as distancing or navigation through a space, or instructions on operational things like how many people should get into an elevator and where to stand.”
For the “near,” hotels should start integrating touchless or voice technology so guests can have a hands-free, frictionless experience that begins at the entry point through the exit. It will also be crucial, says Lam, for hotels to maintain stringent, visible cleaning cycles, and find ways to sanitize commonly used areas, perhaps with air purifiers, steam sterilizers, or UV light sterilization methods.
Hotels will need to consider materials and furnishings that are not just cleanable, but antimicrobial. They must be able to resist heavy cleaning agents without damaging the surface.
Rethinking hotel design post COVID-19
The “future” presents opportunities to rethink hospitality, like changing the size ratio of public space versus guest rooms.
There might also be an increase in sustainable features: For many resorts, all-inclusive buffets are a selling point for those wishing to have the convenience and luxury of having a variety of meals. However, the idea of food laying around for extended periods of time, while being exposed to airborne particles, will not be considered glamorous anymore. Additionally, the waste associated with buffets is not environmentally friendly—leading hotels to provide pre-packed or made-to-order meals at all times.
For hotel staff, TPG is suggesting mandated uniforms that get cleaned and sanitized after every shift by the company, in addition to branded facemasks and hats, and an assortment of PPE (larger hotels and restaurants already do this), UV sanitation lights in the individual locker or cubbies, and of course lots of hand washing.
“The ability of all companies to alleviate staff and guest anxieties about health and security will be essential post-COVID,” says Lam.
Lessons learned from this pandemic, says Lam, find TPG and its clients looking beyond just the physical and aesthetics. “We will need to collaborate with and under the guidance of officials in tech, health, and government to find the right design solutions and strategies. We are seeing similarities throughout all the market sectors, so hospitality is not alone, just like no one is alone in this pandemic. Through developing a deep understanding of our clients and the concerns of their guests, we will be able to stay agile and tackle every challenge that comes our way.”
Related Stories
Coronavirus | Apr 22, 2020
Architecture Billings Index points to major downturn in commercial construction
Largest monthly decline in billings a direct result of pandemic response.
Coronavirus | Apr 22, 2020
Construction activity in 2020 expected to drop steeply
[Dodge survey] Contractors girding for recession.
Coronavirus | Apr 21, 2020
COVID-19 update: CallisonRTKL, Patriot, PODS, and USACE collaborate on repurposed containers for ACFs
CallisonRTKL and PODS collaborate on repurposed containers for ACFs
Coronavirus | Apr 20, 2020
Virtual site visits help control infection on project sites
As COVID-19 threatens to slow construction work, point cloud technology helps us work safer and faster.
Coronavirus | Apr 19, 2020
IoT system helps contractors keep their distance on the jobsite
Triax Technologies’ wearable Proximity Trace device can be used for contact tracing.
Coronavirus | Apr 19, 2020
A COVID-19 task force focuses on crisis communications
The Castle Group is partnering with leading health experts to help companies factor science and medicine into their response messaging and actions.
Coronavirus | Apr 17, 2020
NMHC Multifamily Construction Survey shows significant delays in apartment construction
Survey asked construction firms how the spread of COVID-19 is affecting construction permitting, starts, completions, materials and labor.
Coronavirus | Apr 17, 2020
The case for public space in the age of COVID-19
As our daily footprint narrows under “stay at home” measures, we must reconsider our relationship with public spaces.
Coronavirus | Apr 16, 2020
COVID-19: Pennsylvania building products supplier raises $1.2 million for Pittsburgh-area food bank
Pennsylvania building products supplier raises $1.2 million for Pittsburgh-area food bank.
Coronavirus | Apr 15, 2020
How has your work been impacted by COVID-19?
The SMPS Foundation and Building Design+Construction are studying the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the ability to attain and retain clients and conduct projects, along with other consequences.