We have a long-standing commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures and launched our IHG Way of Clean program in 2015 – developed in partnership with Ecolab and Diversey – both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies and services. This program is now being expanded with additional COVID-19 protocols and best practices – many of which are already in place – to reflect the advice of regional and global health authorities, including the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and local public health authorities in markets around the world.
 

IHG Way of Clean already includes deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants, and guests can expect to see evolved procedures throughout the hotel, which may include:

Reception

Reduced contact at check-in, touchless transactions, front desk screens, sanitizer stations, sanitized key-cards, paperless check-out
Public Spaces and Facilities: Additional deep cleaning of high touch surfaces, social distancing, guidance to implement ‘last cleaned’ charts, and best practices for pools, fitness centers and lounges.
 

Food & Beverage

New standards and service approach to buffets, banquets, room-service and catering.

Guest Room

Reduction of in-room furnishings/high-touch items, new laundry protocols, use of electrostatic technology (at select hotels) and the addition of in-room IHG Clean Promise cards with cleaning procedures.
 

Meetings and Events

Deep and more frequent cleaning of meeting and event spaces, access to ample hand sanitizer stations, socially-distanced seating and meeting room layout, guidance on management of guest flow, single-serve and pre-packaged meal options.
 

Supporting the Wellbeing of Guests and Colleagues

Enabling the personal wellbeing of guests and colleagues is key. IHG is working closely with a team of medical experts at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic to develop guidance and resources for hotel teams on returning to work and incorporating appropriate measures to enhance guest confidence and trust in our cleanliness, hygiene and safety practices in this new environment, which may include:

• Cleanliness information in hotels and on IHG’s booking channels

• Social distancing operating procedures and signage

• Guidance on the use of protective equipment as necessary by hotel colleagues 

• Updated colleague training and certification

• Availability of individual guest amenity cleaning kits

• Sanitizer stations at high-touch points throughout hotels