How Hilton Is Changing Its Hotels

Fresh on the heels of Marriott’s announcement of dramatic changes to hotel hygiene, hotel giant Hilton has revealed a new cleaning plan of its own. 

In a nod to the changing world of COVID-19, Hilton said it was launching a new program to deliver an “industry-defining” standard of cleanliness and disinfection in its hotel properties around the world. 

To do so, Hilton is partnering with RB. which makes Lysol and Dettol, and will be consulting with the Mayo Clinic to develop “elevated processes” and staff training. 

It’s called “Hilton CleanStay With Lysol Protection,” and it will incorporate RB’s approach to cleaning practices, with advice from the Mayo Clinic’s Infection Prevention and Control team. 

“Our first priority has always been the safety of our guests and Team Members,” said Christopher Nassetta, Hilton President and CEO. “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.”

The program will “create a focus on cleanliness that will be visible to guests throughout their entire stay — in their guest rooms, restaurants, fitness rooms and in other public spaces.”

The novel coronavirus has ushered in a new mode of thinking for the hospitality industry; Hilton said research indicated that consumers have “heightened concerns” regarding hygiene on their journeys. 

“Trust in cleanliness standards will be critical to restarting travel,” the company said. 

“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,” said Rahul Kadyan, EVP, North America for Hygiene/Home at RB. “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.” 

So how will this new hygiene program take shape?

There are several major pillars, according to Hilton, including “extra disinfection” of the most-frequently-touched guest rooms areas like light switches, door handles and TV remotes; an increase in the frequency of cleaning public areas; removing pens, paper and guest directories from the rooms; adding disinfecting wipes at primary entrances and in high-traffic areas and, for example, a station at the elevator to allow guests to wipe the elevator button. 

Perhaps most notably, the program will allow “contactless check-in,” meaning guests can check in with their phone, choose their room and access their room with their “digital room key” on the Hilton mobile app. 

Like Marriott, Hilton said it was exploring new tech like electrostatic sprayers and UV light. 

All of this will be crucial as the travel industry looks to relaunch — and it’s an important step for two hotel giants to get out in front of it like this. 

— CJ