When travel resumes again, in New York City and beyond, places offering overnight lodgings will be very different. Whether it is camping vehicles or live-in yachts, hotels or home rentals, the hospitality industry is trying to figure out how to regain customer confidence.
Among the many ideas industry professionals are suggesting, the most evident is the need to adhere to the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness; these will be the newest branders of quality accommodations.
For their part, hotels are tapping professional and industrial-grade cleaning supplies and services. Housekeeping staffs are being trained in new cleaning requirements and being equipped with proper personal protective gear. Some hotels are working with big-name companies in the health and hygiene industries to ensure safety. Other hotels have introduced “room seals,” similar to those found on food products, attesting to clients that no one has entered the room since it was last cleaned. Disinfectant wipes are being placed in frequently touched areas like elevators and passageways.
The fact that businesses are eager to reopen is understandable. The fact that the clientele is returning is a sign that New Yorkers are equally eager to resume some sense of normalcy.
Since March, eateries have only been allowed to offer takeout and delivery services. Now, as the city is poised to gradually reopen, some business owners have taken matters into their own hands. Throughout New York City, restaurants and bars have taken over the now nearly empty sidewalks. Recently proposed legislation will have the city identify sidewalks, streets, and plazas for table service so restaurants can meet capacity and social distancing regulations. The process of acquiring permits for these spaces will be streamlined.
Already, some restaurant owners are allowing diners to linger for an extra round or two and serving food through doors and windows. In the city’s hippest areas, patrons are congregating outside bars- with no seating- being served by masked bartenders passing drinks out the door.
Clothing stores have also taken to the outdoors, setting up racks outside. Touchless browsing is now the standard for shoppers; masks (and in some cases gloves) will be required in most indoor shops.
