In this day and age, hotel safety is a top priority for both planners and properties. In this month's Hotel Safety Spotlight, we hear from Jumeirah Frankfurt who are taking extra steps to keep their guests safe while accommodating hybrid events.
Jumeirah group has developed guidelines and principles to make sure that everyone stays safe, also implemented in the centrally-located Jumeirah Frankfurt. Additionally, the luxury hotel has been awarded with the prestigious Bureau Veritas Safeguard Label, the first in Europe to receive it.
How Jumeirah ensures hotel safety
The Jumeirah Stay Safe guidelines and principles have been developed in collaboration with Bureau Veritas and Ecolab, two of the industry’s health and safety leaders. While constantly sanitizing high-touch surfaces and a strict social distancing policy throughout the hotel form the basis of the hotel’s hygiene measures, specific rules and regulations cover every part of the hotel.
Guidelines the Jumeirah Frankfurt adheres to:
- All guests are required to wear masks when in all public areas
- All employees wear a face mask at all times
- Temperature checks of guests and employees will be done throughout the hotel
- A maximum capacity of two persons per elevator, excepting families who travel together
- Strict social distancing policy of 1.5 meters with other guests and hotel employees
- Rooms are only cleaned in the absence of the guest
- Dedicated public area cleaning attendants to disinfect high-touch surfaces constantly
- Sanitizing gel and sanitizing wipes are available at every table in the restaurant
- Contactless check-in and check-out available upon request
Social distancing at Jumeirah
In the hotels, guests and employees have to follow a strict social distancing policy. So how do they enforce this? The hotel adjusted the seating capacities for its event rooms to guarantee the mandatory distance of 1.5 meters between event participants.
In addition, the lifts can only be used by two people at the same time, excepting families that travel together. The hotel offers direct access to the event rooms, accompanied by the banqueting team.
Safe sourcing with virtual tours
Jumeirah Frankfurt offers a digital tour around the hotel, giving event planners a way to assess and explore without having to travel. In a video call, the hotel’s event sales team introduces event planners and customers to the event area and gives insight into the hotel’s general facilities.
That's not to say, however, that on-site visits aren't possible. On-property site inspections are possible in the event area and on a dedicated site inspection guest room floor, respecting the social distancing guidelines.
Safe-guarding meetings and events
Even in these unprecedented times, exceptional events can be held at the Jumeirah. The hotel’s event procedures have been adjusted to the social distancing policies considering best practices and the measures and guidelines developed in collaboration with Ecolab and Bureau Veritas.
In general, breaks can only be held in the event room. Coffee breaks can be served either as a buffet without self-service or plated for each event participant. A three-course lunch can be served in the hotel’s signature restaurant Max on One or as a small buffet with two dishes to choose from (no self-service) in the event area.
What about virtual or hybrid events?
As events return, including a virtual element in events will be critical which is why Jumeirah is accommodating hybrid events. Packages for video conferences comprise all the technical equipment needed, the professional support by experiences event technicians as well as catering services.
Safe event technology
Technology trends in the hospitality industry are quickly adapting to a world in which COVID-19 isn't too far away. Upon entering the hotel, every guest and employee is temperature-checked as a measure to guarantee the highest possible safety and hygiene. Touch-free sanitizing gel dispensers can be found at all contact points in public areas and event facilities.
In the rooms, all non-essential paper items have been removed. Still, guests do not have to miss anything as the hotel has interactive Smart-TVs and uses in-room tablets that offer any information from the In-Room Dining menu to international newspapers and magazines.
A modern air ventilation system in the guest rooms constantly provides guests with fresh air.
Guest Rooms
As a safety measure, guest rooms are left vacant for three days after each stay. The minibar is entirely sanitized and gets sealed afterwards. After, the rest of the room will be carefully cleaned and sanitized, then sealed.
The hotel also offers complimentary sanitizing gel, sanitizing wipes and protective masks in the guest rooms.
Staff Training
For Jumeirah Frankfurt, trainings are a very important part of ensuring the highest possible standards. Every employee is trained in dedicated departmental trainings to make sure that all procedures follow the hotel’s hygiene and safety plan.
Additionally, posters in the back of house area and pocket guides help the employees to permanently recap the important steps to make sure that everyone stays healthy.
What makes Jumeirah Frankfurt special?
Jumeirah Frankfurt is a luxury hotel, located in the heart of the city, in walking distance to famous shopping streets, the banking towers and cultural landmarks like the Old Opera House of the reconstructed Old Town. Guests can experience stunning views of the city’s skyline from the 218 rooms and suites located on 25 floors. They will also find modern technology paired with personalised service.
Bureau Veritas – a world leader in testing, inspection and certification services – has developed detailed checklists with global health, safety and hygiene specialists to ensure that procedures in place for the resumption of operations meet local and international regulations, as well as recognised best practices.
I think in these times hotels really can step up from being just the venue, to becoming trusted partners and guides to navigate rules and regulations. Any planners considering an event in Frankfurt, I would urge to come to us with their ideas and goals for the meeting, we can then plan together how this can be achieved in accordance to local rules and highest safety and hygiene standards.
- Juliette Schwartz, Director of Sales & Marketing
