Hotel groups and safety, how guest experiences change

To restart, main hotel groups are
opting for some specific protocols to protect health of people,
without giving up the opportunity to gift precious emotions

In a few days we will finally be allowed to stay in a hotel and it will no longer be just a wish. To choose where to go, the type of room in which to sleep and the services to enjoy, become real again. We certainly have to accept a situation that is different from how we used to experience it until a few months ago. But the desire to collect new experiences while respecting all safety protocols, allows us to continue traveling. Here is how the main hotel groups have reorganized their services to reopen the doors of their hotels and welcome guests.

Belmond Castello di Casole – Tuscany

Belmond
For Belmond, summer 2020 is ready to go, the reopening sounds like a sincere declaration of love for our beautiful country. Maximum protection of guests and employees is guaranteed thanks to some signs located in various areas of the hotels, useful to remind how to keep the right distance. During check-in, masks and hand gels are provided, as well as a special amenities available in each room. Moreover, all areas en plein air are a natural way to enjoy the holiday without worries, having fun living unique moments such as gastronomic experiences or observing the sky at night.

NH Hotel Group
Feel safe at NH. They restart from a redesigned guest experience, this is the decision taken by the NH group. In fact, almost 700 changes have been made to the operating standards that will be gradually implemented in all 364 hotels. Health and safety are the words at the heart of NH’s 10 guidelines, including the digitization of the hotel services, the development of specific sanitation processes, the introduction of social distancing and the introduction of devices for individual protection.

Relais & Châteaux
By the end of June, half of the Italian residences by Relais & Châteaux will reopen and it will be a restart in the name of haute cuisine and a new attention towards sustainability and nutrition. Even in this case, the business model has been completely rethought to offer all guests new and exciting experiences. Respecting the rules about sanitation and distancing, creatively using open spaces and parks, restaurants and apartments in the countryside will offer new tasting experiences, stays in nature, picnics and gourmet delivery.

Villa Crespi – Lago d’Orta

BWH Hotel Group Italia
Best Western thinks about safety through an insurance product developed together with AXA Partners. It’s called STAY SAFE and is the insurance dedicated to all guests of the Italian hotels of BWH Hotel Group Italia for every hotel stay from June 1st 2020. The insurance policy will be active from the check-in and will cover the entire duration of the holiday. Taking into account the health needs of the guests, the package includes medical advice by phone, the opportunity to contact a doctor or call an ambulance in case of emergency, the return of the insured person to their place and all hospital medical expenses for any treatment or surgery.

Palazzo Naiadi Dedica Anthology Roma

VOIhotels
The collection of resorts and hotels of the Alpitour Group announced the first reopenings at the end of June applying the new protocol SICURI CON VOI. It consists of 5 interconnected steps: sanitize, keep the distances, communicate, protect and taste that follow the guidelines dictated by the WHO for the organization of rooms and common spaces, playgrounds, beaches and restaurants. The goal of VOI is to offer a safe holiday and spread their philosophy based on a correct information and a constant dialogue with their visitors to lead people’s behavior, and on a precise staff training.

INC Hotels Group
INC Hotels Group restarts with Stay Safe. Who will decide to book a stay at the hotels in Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia will be asked to respect a meticulous protocol to live the hotel experience in total safety. Upon arrival, guests will find at the reception a sterilized kit containing a mask, latex gloves and sanitizing gel that can be purchased for 1 euro. Moreover, all the rooms are cleaned several times a day with products classified as medical surgical equipment, and in all common areas people will find some sanitizing gel dispenser. Total safe even at the restaurant, in the morning – for example – you can request a take-away breakfast service to avoid the queues, and clearly the tables are arranged to be able to guarantee the proper distance. To reduce contacts, the menu is available in a QR Code version too.

Italy Family Hotels
Creativity and safety. This is how the hoteliers of Italy Family Hotels decided to look forward. Summer 2020 will be lived in total relax, family holidays are guaranteed by higher quality standards, more accurate services and a greater attention to enjoy your stay in total carefree. Entertainment and miniclub activities have been redesigned so that the children can have fun and parents are not stressed. From dedicated areas on the beach with the entertainers to avoid large groups, to the workshops to play together like being in a classroom with tables and chairs. To keep the distance, hotels will not work at their full capacity, and buffets will be replaced by table service. Finally, several Italy Family Hotels have abolished their cancellation policy, some others apply a discount on reservations, others opted for the possibility to buy a bonus that can be used even next year.