WE ENVISION THE CREATIVE USE OF EXISTING FURNITURE , PLANTERS AND REORGANIZATION OF EXISTING ARCHITECTURAL SCREENS OR SHELVES WITHIN OUR HOTELS AS THE BEST WAY OF ACHIEVING THESE SOCIAL-DISTANCING MANDATES AND REDUCING THE COST AND TIME THAT IT WILL TAKE TO MODIFY THESE SPACES AS OUR HOTELS REOPEN .
TRENDING
WE ENVISION THE CREATIVE USE OF EXISTING FURNITURE , PLANTERS AND REORGANIZATION OF EXISTING ARCHITECTURAL SCREENS OR SHELVES WITHIN OUR HOTELS AS THE BEST WAY OF ACHIEVING THESE SOCIAL-DISTANCING MANDATES AND REDUCING THE COST AND TIME THAT IT WILL TAKE TO MODIFY THESE SPACES AS OUR HOTELS REOPEN .
LARRY TRAXLER , SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF GLOBAL DESIGN , HILTON
way of achieving these social-distancing mandates and reducing the cost and time that it will take to modify these spaces as our hotels reopen ,” says Larry Traxler , Hilton ’ s senior vice president of global design .
When possible , fresh air will flow throughout the hotel . In recent years , Hilton properties have incorporated more natural materials and light , and Traxler says those factors help blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces , a valuable quality in the current environment .
Perhaps the ultimate test for whether hotels can ensure a socially gratifying and safe experience is happening in Las Vegas , where the lights have gradually been switched on at Strip properties . MGM Resorts took a measured approach to reopening its properties , consulting with health experts to determine what steps made sense . Aside from stepped-up sanitation , they include plexiglass barriers at the front desk , most gaming tables and registers , daily health screenings and mask requirements and free COVID screening for employees , abundant signage to remind patrons of the need for social distancing and installation of handwashing sinks on the casino floor .
The maximum pool capacity has been halved , and lounge chairs are spaced more generously than normal .
MGM patrons are required to wear masks as well ( they weren ’ t when the properties initially opened ). Each room is furnished with a COVID amenity kit , complete with a logoed mask , hand sanitizer and multifunction pen that can be used for opening doors , pressing keys and playing slots .
Technology has solved some age-old queuing issues : Digital keys are now standard , and restaurant guests can scan a menu and reserve a time to return .
SAFE BUT FUN ? All of that is designed to reinforce a safety message without spoiling the fun . “ If you look around , 80 % to 90 % of what you saw before will be the same ,” says John Flynn , MGM ’ s vice president of administration and head of health and safety strategy . The biggest changes — masked employees , plexiglass barriers and abundant signage — are designed to keep safety top of mind .
Over the course of a stay , Flynn says , guests get used to the changes . “ People realize they can still get a glass of Champagne , go to the spa , enjoy fine dining , still have a fountain view suite . They can still do all the wonderful things they loved about Las Vegas .”
That ’ s the narrative MGM is promoting . “ We keep saying , ‘ Vegas done safely is still Vegas ,’” Flynn notes .
All hotels will need to balance their brand promise against projecting a safe image . “ Hotels will need to find a way to deliver what they always did , while offering their assurance that they ’ re playing a part to conquer the spread of coronavirus ,” Schmidt says , although he is skeptical of the efforts many hotel brands have rolled out .
“ I think a lot of it is window dressing , to give everyone the comfort that the most that could be done is being done ,” he says . “ What brand isn ’ t going to take every possible step ?”
In the face of social-distancing measures , Schmidt says social brands can capitalize on the need for human interaction by repurposing public spaces in a way that creates more meaningful connections with guests . Bringing in local artisans , writers and performers to activate lobbies and immerse guests in the local culture will help achieve that .
16 hotelsmag . com July / August 2020