With many meetings and events across the world now taking place virtually, and with a sense of normality slowly returning to many event schedules, the current conversation for many planners is when and how to safely return to in-person or hybrid events. Hotel safety, as a result, is a huge part of this discussion.
Last month, we looked to how one venue in Spain had prepared for the return of in person events. For this month’s hotel safety spotlight, we’re turning to another hugely popular destination for transient and MICE business: Amsterdam, to explore how another hotel is individually approaching this challenge.
How are they approaching hotel safety?
The InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam has been welcoming guests since 1867 and is fondly referred to as “the Grande Dame of Amsterdam”. Owned by IHG, and therefore with the support of a titan of the hotelier industry, extensive measures have been put into place using both the “IHG Way of Clean” principle, and the latest guidance from the Dutch Government.
Technology and hybrid events
Technology is going to be one of the most significant factors in safe deployment of an event, and the experience has been thought out on 3 levels: venue sourcing, attendee arrival, and session streaming.
To confirm the Amstel hotel is a suitable fit for an event, the Groups & Events department have deployed technology throughout the venue that allows for a full 360* tour of the key event spaces. While travel is still at a minimum, making it as easy as possible for a planner to visualise an event – and determine their attendee journey throughout the venue – will help in making that crucial first decision.
Upon arrival at the hotel, guests will be welcomed by a dedicated host instructed by the RIVM (the Netherlands institute for Public Health). A short safety questionnaire will be issued, and using technology, capacity into the hotel will be carefully managed to ensure a seamless check-in process.
Lastly, during the event hours the Amstel hotel has been in partnership with the same AV and production company for many years. For those attending in person, temperature control checks and high-tech hand sanitizers will be available; for those tuning in virtually, they have extensive broadcasting technology so can assist you in leveraging a virtual event platform.
Staff training
All staff are instructed to watch the latest training videos, which are continuously updated alongside specific on-property trainings.
As well as a check-in host at the front door, hospitality hosts are deployed throughout the Amstel hotel; hosts will guide guests around a new “one way” system, operate the hotel elevators and ensuring physical distancing via the safest hotel routes.
Masks and gloves will be worn by every employee, whilst respecting all rules and regulations to ensure the safety of guests, the goal remains being able to provide the ultimate guest experience and genuine hospitality ‘as they know it’.
Guest amenities
To ensure a safe table seating plan, reservations throughout the hotel are mandatory, whether it’s for drinks, lunch, or dinner. Payments can be contactless and plexiglass partitions will feature throughout the hotel to reduce touch-points as much as possible. Due to the ever-changing weather in the Netherlands, a special sanitary room / wardrobe will be available for all guests to leverage if required.
Summary
With enhanced measures rolling out across hotels worldwide, the Amstel Hotel aims to provide assurance that personal service is still possible at the highest level. As planners and guests carefully scrutinize where to visit, the above is intended to help put minds at ease and ensure a smile underneath all masks.
Find out more about IHG Amstel Amsterdam
