Being waited on hand and foot, provided with a decadent bed, a gorgeous view, and plenty of privacy— it’s no secret that a lot of us associate hotel living with luxury and self-indulgence.
But have you have ever taken a minute to wonder how all this premium luxury is maintained?
Lift the bed covers and shine a blue light under there, and you definitely won’t like what you see!
How Dirty Are Hotel Rooms?
According to a tell-all article by Bustle, not only were pillows and bedspreads left unchanged, but mattresses are also kept for a long time before they are changed, only maintained by adding a mattress topper which isn’t always cleaned. Housekeepers also don’t change the sheets, since doing laundry for a single room can use up to 25 gallons of water.
Plenty of hotels also have bed bugs and mice problems. Also, hotels don’t often clean their carpets, only settling for a vacuuming now and then. Housekeepers also don’t wipe the phone or the remote control, which plays a significant role in transferring germs.
On top of this, hotels often disregard employee health. Given that the average housekeeper earns $10.77 per hour, most employees like the housekeeper, valet, bellmen, waiters, and others have to survive off tips, working as much as they can, and not missing a day of work. So, if they end up falling sick, they don’t take the day off.
However, that becomes problematic, since sick workers end up transmitting germs to all the rooms they visit, as well as the guests.
Hotel Living in the Time of COVID-19
All the information above is pre-COVID-19, so we won’t blame you if you’re worried about hotel conditions in light of the pandemic.
However, because of the current situation, the hotel industry is taking steps to minimize the risk of exposure. Some have closed off bookings until further notice until it’s safer. But budget hotels and mid-tier establishments are open for business. And to ensure that their customers feel at ease, here are some measures that have been put into place:
All staff has been told to wear face masks and follow all CDC guidelines on personal hygiene
Hand sanitizer with 70%–80% alcohol has been distributed amongst workers who are instructed to use it when necessary
All porous surfaces are being cleaned regularly
All rooms are being kept well-ventilated to maximize fresh air circulation
Ventilation systems have been cleaned
All drainage systems are being well-maintained
Social distancing is being followed
Hotel management has been mandated to keep a list of all guests and staff coming in and out of the establishment, with information on identification, contact number, age, sex, passport number, and other essential details
Guests have been told to wear face masks upon entry
Hotel staff has minimized contact with guests
As for cleaning, all hotels have implemented thoroughly cleansing and disinfection for all surfaces that may come in contact. At Sanitize 360, we’ve been working overtime, providing hotel rooms disinfecting services in New Jersey, Manhattan, and other places in New York City. So, all in all, hotels are taking hygiene seriously.
So, Is It Safe?
At present, yes.
So, before booking any hotel, call ahead and research how they’re responding to the COVID-19 spread. And remember, if you don’t need to book a hotel room, then don’t. The COVID-19 strain has been found in asymptomatic patients as well.
So, unless it’s necessary, stay put for now.
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