8 Things You Need to Know About the Reopening of Hotels

Much like airlines and cruise lines, hotels will operate differently in a post-COVID-19 world, at least in the beginning as properties eye phased reopenings with guest and employee safety at the top of the priority list. With hotels in places all over the world beginning to open their doors back up, here's what guests should anticipate ahead of their next stay.

Hotels will be encouraging guests to check-in online or through their apps to significantly reduce the amount of contact upon arrival. Protective barriers might also be in place to shield both staff and guests when maintaining a safe distance isn't possible. Depending on the brand or property, some guests will even be able to use their smartphone as their room key.

It shouldn't come as a shock to guests if they are asked to sign a form confirming they haven't tested positive for coronavirus and aren't experiencing any symptoms before being allowed to check-in. Some hotels could also conduct quick health assessments at various entry points utilizing temperature scanners and other non-invasive methods.

Most hotels will require employees to adhere to strict safety protocols, including COVID-19 testing, the aforementioned temperature checks on arrival, mandatory face masks and gloves and frequent hand washing in addition to uniform cleaning.

Guests should be cognizant of social distance guidelines that have pretty much become standard by now. Some hotels have already begun putting down markers measuring six feet at the front desk and other areas where guests are likely to gather.

Similar to the airline and cruise industries, enhanced and deeper cleaning has become the new normal as the hotel sector looks to rebound. Guest rooms and common areas are sure to be routinely disinfected as properties aim to keep germs to a minimum while providing added peace of mind for customers. It's possible some guests could also be met with personal hygiene kits equipped with face-coverings, disinfecting wipes and hand sanitizer.

Capacity limits help make it easier to achieve proper social distancing so on-site bars, restaurants, spas, fitness centers and other amenities might not be available right away or may be forced to turn away some guests to ensure a safe environment in the earliest stages of reopening.

With experts encouraging people to wash their hands for at least 20 seconds and more frequently, guests shouldn't be surprised to see hand sanitizing dispensers and other hand cleaning stations featured more prominently throughout hotels moving forward.

The way hotel guests consume food will certainly be altered by the pandemic, with properties likely doing away with breakfast buffets and other serve-yourself style snacks and meals at least temporarily to minimize risk.