- Hospitality company Hilton Hotels (NYSE:HLT) recently announced a new program where it will be delivering a new standard of cleanliness and disinfection in its properties worldwide
Hospitality company Hilton Hotels (NYSE:HLT) recently announced a new program where it will be delivering a new standard of cleanliness and disinfection in its properties worldwide. And in a first for the hospitality business, Hilton is going to collaborate with Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc
(LON: RB) – which is the maker of Lysol and Dettol. Plus the company is going to consult with Mayo Clinic to develop elevated processes and Team Member training to help Hilton guests enjoy an even cleaner and safer stay from check-in to check-out.
Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection — as the program is going to be called in North America — will be a rigorous system that integrates RB’s know-how and scientific approach to cleaning practices and product offerings. And Experts from Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team will advise and assist in enhancing Hilton’s cleaning and disinfection protocols.
Hilton CleanStay is going to build upon the already high standards of housekeeping and hygiene at Hilton properties worldwide where hospital-grade cleaning products and upgraded protocols are currently in use. And the goal of Hilton CleanStay is to provide guests with assurance and peace of mind when they stay at any of Hilton’s 6,100+ properties representing 18 brands. This initiative will create a focus on cleanliness that will be visible to guests throughout their entire stay – in their guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms, and other public spaces.
The CleanStay program was developed to meet the evolving consumer expectations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research is indicating that consumers have heightened concerns regarding hygiene on their journey and trust in cleanliness standards will be critical for restarting travel.
Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc (LON: RB) is going to bring key talent and Lysol experts in hygiene and disinfection to the multi-year partnership based on more than 130 years of science-based research and thought leadership for supporting awareness, training and education along with product delivery and systems. And RB and Hilton are also exploring opportunities to expand the program into a global partnership.
With the help of Mayo Clinic medical and technical experts, Hilton is rewriting its cleaning protocols to translate the best practices in hospital hygiene standards to hotel guest rooms. And medical experts from the Mayo Clinic COVID-19 Response Team will also advise on new technologies and approaches, assist in training development, and create a rigorous quality assurance program.
The hotel brand standards under consideration include:
1.) Hilton CleanStay Room Seal — an extra measure of assurance with a room seal on doors to indicate to guests that their room has not been accessed since it was thoroughly cleaned
2.) 10 High-Touch, Deep Clean Areas — Extra disinfection of the most frequently touched guests room areas such as light switches, door handles, TV remotes, thermostats, etc.
3.) De-clutter Paper Amenities — Remove pen, paper and guest directory and supplement with digital or available upon request
4.) Focus on Fitness Centers — Improved guidelines for disinfecting the hotel Fitness Center, possibly closing for cleaning multiple times daily and limiting the number of guests allowed in at one time
5.) Clean and Clean Again — Increase the frequency of cleaning public areas
6.) Guest-Accessible Disinfecting Wipes — There will be stations at primary entrances and key high traffic areas like a station to allow guests to wipe the elevator button before pressing.
7.) Contactless Check-In — Hilton is going to double-down on its Digital Key technology for guests who desire to have a contactless arrival experience. And guests can check-in, choose their room, access their room with a digital room key, and check-out using their mobile devices through the Hilton Honors mobile app at participating hotels. Plus Hilton will continue to expand its Digital Key capabilities to common doors and access points throughout the hotels.
8.) Innovative Disinfection Technologies — Hilton is exploring the addition of new technologies, like electrostatic sprayers – which use an electrostatically charged disinfecting mist – and ultraviolet light to sanitize surfaces and objects.
During the new cleaning process, the hotel Team Members are going to be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) and enhanced training designed to protect their well-being while continuing to deliver Hilton hospitality.
Key Quotes:
“Our first priority has always been the safety of our guests and Team Members. Hilton CleanStay builds on the best practices and protocols we’ve developed over the last several months, allowing our guests to rest easy with us and focus on enjoying the unforgettable experiences we have to offer – while protecting our Team Members who are on the front lines of hospitality.”
-Christopher J. Nassetta, Hilton President and CEO
“At RB we are committed to the relentless pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world. It is imperative that we protect all consumers, today and in the days ahead as we all look forward to new ways of returning to work and leisure activities. We are excited to be working with Hilton and Mayo Clinic to bring this expertise and our unique product solutions to the Hilton CleanStay with Lysol protection program.”
-Rahul Kadyan, EVP, North America, Hygiene/Home at Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc (LON: RB)
“Personal safety is extremely critical as we re-open business and recreational activities around the globe. We are proud to bring Mayo Clinic’s expertise and knowledge to the COVID-19 response on a national and global scale. Mayo is looking forward to working with Hilton staff and advising them on the program protocol and training.”
-Stacey Rizza, M.D., a Mayo Clinic infectious disease specialist
