Expovision, The Hotel Reservation Office for APTA EXPO 2021, has reached out to its hotel partners for the latest information on their cleaning and safety protocols during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Each of the hotels in the official event hotel block have launched stringent practices that follow guidelines from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Florida Governor and the city of Orlando.
Face coverings that cover the nose, mouth and chin are required in all indoor public areas. Amenities such as valet parking, complimentary breakfast and concierge may be reduced or currently not available. The major hotel brands and boutique properties share these similarities on ensuring employees’ and guests’ safety during COVID-19:
Enhanced Cleaning of “High-Touch” Surfaces
Expect to see an increase in both routine cleaning and hospital-grade disinfecting of “high-touch” surfaces in guest rooms. There is also less paper collateral provided. Surfaces that are rigorously cleaned are door handles, light switches, phones, faucets, mirrors, towel racks, TV remotes and more. Of course flooring, bedding and furniture are thoroughly cleaned as well. Enhanced cleaning can be found in these areas:
- Entrances
- Lobbies
- Front desks
- Elevator banks
- Guest rooms
- Public bathrooms
- Rec areas
- Restaurants, lounges, and buffets
- Meeting rooms
- Expo halls
- Fitness centers
- Pools
- Employee areas
Sanitation and Social Distancing in “High-Traffic” Areas
Hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipe stations are provided at “high-traffic” areas for guests’ use, such as hotel entrances, lobbies and elevator banks. Guests and employees are reminded with floor decals to practice safe social distancing, which according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention: CDC is staying at least 6 feet away from others. These measures in “high-traffic” areas are important because COVID-19 is spread through close person-to-person contact in “respiratory droplets” (CDC).
Social distancing is also emphasized with more contactless customer service, especially when it comes to check-in. Some creative check-in alternatives include checking-in by Digital Key, curbside phone calls, mobile apps, drive-thrus and Plexiglas shields dividing the check-in staff and guests at front desks.
Select hotels are also offering Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s) as new complimentary amenities. Guest rooms in Marriott hotels have complimentary disinfecting wipes. Accor Hotels provide wellness kits to guests that include masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
Rigorous Food Safety Measures
Expect reduced seating and proper spacing at restaurants and bars. Sanitation guidelines are applied to not only hotel restaurants and bars, but also to in-room dining, buffets, and banquets. There may be an elimination of buffets altogether. Room service rolling carts may be replaced with contactless food delivery or this amenity may not be available. Hotel employees are also getting in-depth training on food safety guidelines including preparation, sanitation and overall upkeep of kitchen cleanliness.
Exploring New Technologies
Major hotel chains are looking into two, promising new technologies. Ultraviolet (UV) light disinfection is being researched to clean surfaces, floors, room keys, laundry facility equipment and PPE’s, such as face masks. Read more on sciencedaily.com to learn about UV LED’s.
The hospitality industry is also starting to welcome electrostatic sprayers. This is superior to traditional sprayers because it’s “more efficient, reduces waste, and delivers a more uniform distribution of liquids over uneven surfaces” (Environmental Protective Agency: EPA).
Learn More
| Brand (Alphabetical Order) | Coronavirus Protocol PDF | Hotel Property |
| Hilton | CleanStay | DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld |
| Embassy Suites by Hilton International Drive/Convention Center | ||
| Hampton Inn Orlando Convention Center/International Drive | ||
| Hilton Orlando | ||
| Homewood Suites by Hilton Orlando International Drive/Convention Center | ||
| Homewood Suites Anaheim – Main Gate – Garden Grove | ||
| Hyatt | Global Care & Cleanliness Commitment | Hyatt Place Orlando I-Drive/Convention Center |
| Hyatt Regency Orlando | ||
| Marriott | Commitment to Clean | Castle Hotel, Autograph Collection |
| Courtyard Orlando International Drive/Convention Center | ||
| Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld | ||
| Residence Inn by Marriott Orlando Convention Center | ||
| SpringHill Suites by Marriott Orlando Convention Center/I-Drive area | ||
| Rosen | Rosen’s Total Commitment | Rosen Centre Hotel |
| Rosen Inn at Pointe Orlando | ||
| Rosen Plaza Hotel |
Expovision Policies: Please note that the deadline to book, modify or cancel a hotel reservation is TBA.
Questions on your hotel reservation? Contact the APTA Show Hotel Reservation Office (Expovision) at aptahotels@expovision.com
Photo by Matilda Wormwood from Pexels. This post was last updated on 8.3.2021