feel their best and be able to more confident-ly and efficiently deliver outstanding guest experiences. In addition, the appearance of the hotel lobby and entrance will be a key area that customers immediately notice. Ensure that front doors, lobby and check-in counters are kept clean through compre-hensive deep cleaning programs that go be-yond daily cleaning techniques. Partner with a deep cleaning provider that can develop a custom plan that meets the needs of the hotel which focuses on critical areas, such as flooring, counters and other fixtures in the lobby and entrances. Cleanliness After focusing on employee appearance, entrances and lobbies, consider the next customer touch-point after check-in: Guest rooms. A clean, odor-free room is a basic, yet critical way to provide an exceptional stay for guests and provide a lasting im-pression. As guests enter rooms, ensure they are always met with fresh linens, spot-free car-pets, clean restrooms and a pleasant odor. To keep carpets in top condition, use a deep cleaning provider with services that are Platinum-certified by the Carpet and Rug In-stitute (CRI) and use a combination of steam, agitation and extraction to ensure the high-est level of cleaning efficacy. Consider carpet treatments such as a stain-repellant to maintain high levels of cleanliness in between deep cleanings. For tile in guest restrooms, use deep cleaning services to make sure grout lines are free of buildup and odor-causing con-taminants are removed. Air conditioning units can also be a com-mon source of odor, so it’s important to rou-tinely deep clean units to improve indoor air quality and remove unpleasant odors from guest rooms. Partner with a coil cleaning provider that goes beyond cleaning basics by focusing on sanitation and mold prevention techniques. Deep cleaning A/C units will enable guests to breathe more easily and reduce overall energy consumption throughout the guest rooms. Between deep cleanings, maintain high levels of cleanliness by providing the appro-priate tools and supplies for housekeepers. Provide fully stocked cleaning carts and chemicals to help housekeepers efficiently tend to guest rooms and common areas. Tools such as microfiber cloths, air fresh-eners and high-efficiency vacuums help to maintain cleanliness in guest rooms on a daily basis. Consider placing a chemical dispensing unit in housekeepers’ storage areas on each floor to ensure the correct dilution is mixed each time. Dispensing units also help employees by limiting their contact with irritating chemicals and eliminating the time required to manually dilute cleaning solutions. When auditing room cleanliness, take a holistic approach and make sure to assess not only results, but also the entire cleaning process. affect guest safety such as broken locks or doors. Perform frequent checks on all areas that may impact guest safety and if something is broken or even slightly damaged, fix it im-mediately. By proactively staying on top of the condi-tion of hotel fixtures, hoteliers can do their part to keep guests safe and satisfied. Security Each day, a hotel collects an extensive amount of sensitive and confidential guest information through bookings, loyalty pro-grams and on-site purchases. Ensure that guests’ personal information remains secure by partnering with a com-prehensive document shredding provider. Work with the provider to create a sched-ule for the pick-up of sensitive documents that need shredding. Limit access to private spaces such as offices or business centers and keep shred-ding bins in each area where sensitive infor-mation might be collected. Shredding services can also help the hotel stay compliant with increasing enforcement of data privacy laws. When guests notice the hotel’s dedication to their security, they will feel more comfort-able and able to enjoy their stay. While the era of the “connected consum-er” provides many challenges for the hospi-tality industry, it presents far more opportu-nities to get the guest experience right. By considering the guest experience from all angles and using the four pillars to build a strong foundation for satisfaction, hotels can ensure positive guest experiences trickle across to review sites — providing a great online reputation and high occupancy levels for the long-term. CM Safety Another critical area that may have a lasting impact on guest experience is safety. One misstep from hotel management to ensure guest safety during an emergency can cause a whirlwind of negative reviews and a damaged reputation. Keep guest safety top of mind by equip-ping the hotel with up-to-date fire extinguish-ers, automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), fire and smoke alarm systems, emergency lights and illuminated exit signs. The placement of AEDs in hotel gyms, swimming and recreation areas is critical to maximize guest safety. All emergency systems at the hotel should be inspected each month by a licensed emergency protection provider to ensure they are always functional. Having the right safety equipment on site is just half of the equation. To fully prepare for any emergency situa-tion, hold safety training sessions for all em-ployees — from front desk agents to house-keepers and bellmen. Fire safety training should include the proper use of extinguishers and AEDs, ba-sic first aid response, CPR and appropriate evacuation techniques. Clearly detail emergency evacuation procedures and display them prominently throughout the property. In addition to emergency preparation, consider daily operations and items that can Anthony Melchiorri, also known as the “hotel fixer,” has more than 20 years of industry experi-ence and has transformed several properties across the U.S. As the host of his own show, Melchiorri now applies his expertise and knowledge to turn struggling hotels into profitable establishments. Dave Mesko is senior director of marketing for Cintas with more than 16 years industry experi-ence. Cintas Facility Services offers a wide range of solutions that enable businesses to build their image and increase profitability and productivity. For more information on Cintas’ solutions for facilities, visit www.Cintas.com/FacilityServices. www.cmmonline.com 39
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