Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, June 18, 2020 – Hospitality has long been known for creating memorable experiences, fostering a welcoming environment, and providing unsurpassed service. Another pillar of hospitality that has always been there, though not often in the spotlight, superior cleanliness. At Courtyard by Marriott Wilkes-Barre Arena, we have always had a high standard for cleaning, but with the response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have recently raised the bar.
Our already demanding standards have been elevated to provide a new sense of comfort and assurance to guests that are setting out to travel once again. While some of the activities will be visibly new to our guests, we believe that this is just the beginning on how we are changing the standards.
April Hargraves, General Manager, along with her team, and supported by the management company, Synergy Hospitality Management, will fully embrace the initiatives set forth by Marriott International. Marriott, which has long had a reputation for high standards of hotel cleanliness with well-established cleaning processes and training in place, has created the Marriott Global Cleanliness Council, which is focused on developing the next level of global hospitality cleanliness standards, norms and behaviors that are designed to minimize risk and enhance safety for guests and Marriott associates alike. The Council will benefit from knowledge and input from both in-house and outside experts including senior leaders from across Marriott disciplines like housekeeping, engineering, food safety, occupational health and associate wellbeing. The Council also includes advisory members from Ecolab, Adventist Healthcare, Purdue University, and Cornell University.
“Safety for our guests and associates has always been a top priority for Marriott and today that discussion of safety is in the context of COVID-19,” said Ray Bennett, Chief Global Officer, Global Operations, Marriott International. “We want our guests to know that we are doing everything we can to welcome them back to a safe and clean hotel environment when they start traveling again.”
We have always been committed to a clean and comfortable stay, but we understand that there is a heightened concern regarding hygiene in a guest’s journey and we want to provide a level of trust and assurance in the cleanliness standards as travel resumes. The initiatives and recommendations of the Council will result in an additional focus on cleanliness that will be more visible to guests throughout the Hotel. While the initiatives of the Council are on-going, some possible additions to our cleaning procedures will include:
- Increased Cleaning Frequency: In addition to our standard cleaning protocols, requiring that surfaces at thoroughly treated with hospital-grade disinfectants, this cleaning will be done with increased frequency.
- High-Touch Surfaces: Extra attention on light switches, door handles, TV remotes, thermostats and more.
- De-cluttering In-Room Amenities: We are removing pens, paper and guest directories from the rooms.
- Guest-Accessible Sanitation: We will provide guest accessible sanitizing stations at primary entrances, public spaces and will provide sanitation wipes in each guest room.
- Managing Guest Contact: To support recommended social distancing we will be removing or re-arranging furniture in public areas to allow for more space.
- Contactless Check-In: Guests can check-in, access their room, and make special requests with their mobile phones.
- Future Initiatives: Enhanced technologies are under consideration, such as the use of electrostatic sprayers with hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces throughout the hotel, and ultraviolet light technology for sanitizing keys for guests and shared devices for associates.
These initiatives are not only for our guests but also for our associates; our heroes in hospitality. Now, more than ever, we are truly in this together and we want to provide a safe travel and working environment. By caring for our team members, we care for our communities where we live and work. Things may continue to change, but one thing is certain, we will continue to rise to the challenge. So, when it is time to travel again, we look forward welcoming our guests back.
To connect directly with a hotel associate regarding the COVID-19 response or to inquire regarding needs for accommodations, please contact 570.235.6700 or visit our reservations page. For more information on the initiative, please visit Marriott’s site for Global Cleanliness Council.
About Courtyard by Marriott
Since it first opened its doors more than 35 years ago, Courtyard by Marriott has been dedicated to creating an environment where great things can happen. Today, Courtyard is the hotel brand of choice for ambitious and enterprising guests who see business travel as a driver of personal fulfillment and professional growth. Fueled by Passion, the brand continues to evolve to meet guests’ needs, providing opportunities for guests to pursue both their personal and professional passions on the road. Courtyard is the smart, dynamic hotel that helps guests make the most of their time on the road. Combining innovative technology with style and comfort, the brand’s modern and open lobby provides guests with flexibility to work or relax. As an extension to Courtyard’s inviting public spaces, the Bistro is the hotel’s casual dining destination, serves as a place for its passionate guests to socialize, connect and collaborate. The new Bistro features a Classic American menu with a contemporary twist, morning or night featuring a variety of flavorful items and signature cocktails to satisfy every palate.
About Synergy Hospitality Management
As an award-wining independent hotel management company, we focus on creating remarkable experiences not only for our guests but also the team that serves them. Our proven hospitality management services are based upon a high-touch approach to management. From select service to full service operations, as well as extended stay properties, our experience is applied to maintain efficiencies and improve profitability. Our experience across many brands in the Mid-Atlantic region gives us the ability to apply best practices for hotel management in our expertly focused geography. To learn more about our management services or to join our team, visit www.synergyhotels.com.
Media Contact
Suzanne Sagullo,
Regional Director Sales & Marketing
Suzanne.sagullo@synergyhotels.com
Phone: 610.225.2650
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