NEW YORK—The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd announced its Healthy Stays commitment with enhanced cleanliness standards and protocols for its 430+ worldwide members. For more than nine decades, Leading Hotels has been at the forefront of creating the highest standards that have set the bar for worldwide luxury hospitality. The passionate hoteliers of its independent, family-led hotels have welcomed guests for generations with remarkable care. During the pandemic, Leading Hotels’ Healthy Stays commitment is a continuation of the meticulous standards members have abided by for nearly a century.
“The health and safety of our guests and colleagues is our top priority. As our properties begin to re-open, we want our guests to be assured that their stays are safe and clean,” said Deniz Omurgonulsen, Vice President of Membership, The Leading Hotels of the World. “Guests can take comfort knowing that Leading Hotels has taken the necessary steps to achieve the highest standards of cleanliness, coupled with our first-class service.”
Leading Hotels’ Healthy Stays commitment includes:
Expert Medical Guidance—Leading Hotels collaborated with Dr. Michael Kotler of RemoteMD, Dr. Alan Neuman of ProHealth Environmental, and John Kosmeh Ph.D., a FEMA Emergency Response Trainer, to develop Best Practice Guidelines specifically for member hotels. These guidelines for COVID-19 disinfection ensure Leading Hotels are taking the steps necessary to create the safest possible environment for their guests and employees. It focuses on hotel initiatives to reduce the potential for exposure and spread of the virus, while increasing the opportunity to improve current health standards. The guide was carefully crafted for Leading’s independent hotels. It has sections advising hotel front and back-of-house practices and procedures on communication and training plans.
Gold Standard Cleanliness Accreditation—To certify its global portfolio of hotels meet a higher level of cleanliness and safety, Leading Hotels has partnered with the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, the worldwide cleaning industry association, to offer GBAC STAR facility accreditation to its members. GBAC STAR is a performance-based accreditation program that helps facilities establish a comprehensive system for cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. To achieve GBAC STAR accreditation, facilities must demonstrate compliance with the program’s 20 elements regarding documented work systems, protocols and procedures.
Enhanced Hygiene Standards—Leading Hotels assurance of cleanliness is a continuation of the meticulous standards member hotels have abided by for nearly a century. Leading Hotels has partnered with Leading Quality Assurance (LQA) to develop new hygiene standards for hotel audits. Each Leading Hotel is assessed annually by an LQA audit. The inspection report is based on more than 800 stringent criteria factoring into Leading Hotels membership. Exacting standards with respect to accommodations, service, cuisine, staff, facilities, and hygiene are taken into consideration. The new hygiene standards will be published in June and may include, but are not limited to:
- Did the hotel have a documented process in place to check employee temperatures?
- Was hand sanitizer available at employee entrance, changing rooms, restrooms, and café?
- Was public area furniture rearranged to ensure social distancing?
- Were social distancing practices in place for queue, seating, and communication management?
- Was printed cleaning/hygiene protocols prominently displayed in the fitness center?
Leading Hotels will continue to enhance cleanliness standards during this unique time. Leading’s hoteliers will gather for exclusive round tables and panels to discuss their individual hotel and region’s cleanliness practices and recommendations. They will address next generation cleanliness standards, operating guidelines and the most pressing issues. The coalition of worldwide members will ensure Leading Hotels continue to serve as the benchmark for the luxury hospitality industry.
