Hotel Housekeeping in a COVID-19 World
Our Commitment To Keeping You Safe And Healthy With Industry-Leading Cleaning Standards
For over 75 years, Best Western® Hotels & Resorts has been an industry leader with the reputation of providing clean, well-maintained accommodations. In 2012, we became the first hotel brand to set a high-level of cleanliness with the roll out of our industry leading I Care® program. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, we were among the first to roll out standards and best practices that enhanced our cleaning and safety protocols through our We Care CleanSM program.
Based upon guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and Health Canada, the We Care Clean program addresses everything from guest room and common area cleanliness, to streamlined processes that minimize contact between guests and associates while maintaining the customer service you expect from a Best Western-branded hotel.
As the world reopens, we are excited to welcome our loyal guests back to our hotels while meeting your health and wellbeing standards. When you are ready to travel again, we understand that you will understandably have a heightened awareness and expectation of cleanliness when it comes to your choice of accommodations.
When you next stay with us, there will be changes you can clearly see; while others, you can rest assured are taking place behind the scenes, such as the enforcement of heightened and comprehensive cleanliness standards. The We Care Clean program addresses five key areas in our hotels:
- Protocols minimize guest contact with personnel through a streamlined check-in and check-out process such as the use of Best Western's Mobile Concierge platform.
- High touch point areas will be cleaned frequently, and lobby brochures, magazines and papers have been removed.
- Enhanced sanitization procedures will be in place at the front desk, in the lobby and across guest touch points throughout the hotel with disinfecting taking place regularly.
- Sanitizing stations or wipes will be available throughout hotels.
- Enhanced and thorough cleaning protocols have been implemented in guest rooms. Linens, tery products, and all touch points, for example, faucets, door handles, light switches, thermostats, clocks and hangers, are cleaned with chemicals aimed at killing COVID-19.
- Unnecessary items have been removed from guest rooms, such as decorative pillows, bed scarves, paper notepads and pens.
- For guest and employee safety and well-being, daily housekeeping service is by request.
- When allowed to open, public amenities such as fitness centers, swimming pools and meeting rooms will be cleaned on closely monitored schedules with disinfecting chemicals. Each evening, these areas may also be sanitized with the use of electrostatic fogging, ozone generators or ultraviolet devices.
- Hand sanitizer or wipes will be provided for guests and employees in all public areas.
- Hotel employees follow strict guidelines, to include the wearing of Personal Protective Equipment when required by local or state governments, frequent and stringent hand-washing protocols, and housekeepers/laundry staff will wear both gloves and a mask.
- Employee workstations are cleaned and disinfected after every shift.
- Employees are empowered to stay home if unwell, communicate their potential exposure to COVID-19 with management, and will be fully educated on how to maintain a safe and clean home.
- Caring for our guests and providing the highest level of service has always been at the core of Best Western® Hotels & Resorts. Depending on local health and government rules and regulations, our breakfast offerings may be one of several options. Where permissible, many of our full-service hotels will once again be able to deliver a more traditional form of breakfast service.
- If there are local restrictions, guests may be offered a Grab & Go breakfast. The Grab & Go breakfast may be available for guests departing before breakfast service begins.
- Where social distancing measures remain in place, guests will continue to find breakfast rooms that are modified to allow more space between tables. Additionally, hand sanitization stations remain available, and staff will disinfect tables and chairs between guests.
We look forward to welcoming you back to our hotels - where we are focused on your health, safety, and wellbeing.