During a time of crisis, it seems counter-intuitive to think about property upgrades in the hospitality industry. On the contrary, while hotels are not being filled to capacity, now is the best time to make enhancements. Making preparations now may avoid unnecessary closure post-COVID-19; positioning the property for success in the future. With low occupancy, work can be completed expeditiously by not having to stage it out or work around guests.
Under the Cares Act, it may be the perfect time to explore the upgrades your hotel has been considering over the last few years. Many properties may have funds available which include a 100% bonus depreciation for Qualified Improvement Property (QIP) which is an improvement made to the interior portion of a building. The best part is the tax benefit, as these improvements can be written off immediately.
Today’s re-openings will not be the same as when you are coming off a slow period or even following a renovation. The stakes are higher this time around. It’s not enough for the property to just look good. Your guests want the type of restful night sleep that can only be obtained when they have confidence and peace of mind that your staff has an exceptional commitment to hygiene.
We at Commercial Laundry Equipment Company understand that that commitment goes beyond the standard attention paid to cleaning surface areas in the lobby or cleaning of the bathrooms. Laundry is a big part of the “cleanliness formula” for many businesses in the hospitality industry. Guest expectations on room and linen cleanliness will look a bit different in the months ahead. Implementing upgrades such as UniMac’s TotalVue will ensure your property is positioned for success as we continue to come out of the crisis.
UniMac’s TotalVue technology can monitor all equipment operations, down to cycle selection, the max temperature reached (CDC recommendations are 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit to kill bacteria), chemical injections, whether cycles were manually advanced, and more. TotalVue’s advanced technology was designed to act as your managers’ eyes and ears when they are not on-site, helping you run more efficiently, and reduce overhead costs. With so much riding on infection control, laundry management systems are essentially the insurance policy verifying no corners are cut and no issues are on the horizon.
Moreover, think about the various ways you could further communicate with guests. Are you communicating all that you are doing to keep them safe? Is there a way to wrap towels and have laundry staff sign and date the bundle? If you are using a laundry management system, is there a way to post a summary of the value of the system and current data on your hotel’s public website? Perhaps a card in the guest room bathroom could be used to communicate the same message – “the towel you are about to use has been washed and sanitized using an advanced system that alerts management to any process breakdowns immediately.”
These are just a few ideas that may spark additional thoughts. The goal is to find ways to communicate to your guests your commitment to their health and safety during their stay with you. You and your staff have worked hard to dial in processes and invest in the most advanced equipment available on the market…relay this to your guests (and potential guests) as efficiently and as often as possible.
To say these are unique, unprecedented times is an understatement. Today, housekeeping and the on-premises laundry are more important than ever and Commercial Laundry Equipment Company is dedicated to helping you get back to business. Remember, the more your property can do to generate peace of mind for guests, the better it will be positioned for success.