Ed Brock is an award-winning journalist who has worked for various U.S. newspapers and magazines, including with American City & County magazine, a national publication based in Atlanta focused on city and county government issues. He is currently senior editor at Asian Hospitality magazine, the top U.S. publication for Asian American hoteliers. Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Ed began his career in journalism in the early 1990s as a reporter for a chain of weekly newspapers in Baldwin County, Alabama. After a stint teaching English in Japan, Ed returned to the U.S. and moved to the Atlanta area where he returned to journalism, coming to work at Asian Hospitality in 2016.
MANY HOTEL BRANDS and companies have implemented new cleaning and safety protocols to prepare for the return of guests during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hersha Hotels and Resorts has incorporated its “Rest Assured” program with its longstanding sustainability program, EarthView.
Prioritized safety: Updated cleaning protocols based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization, and American Hotel and Lodging Association use EPA-approved disinfectants with increased frequency, particularly on high-touch surfaces like door handles and elevator buttons. The new cleaning protocols also deploys UV light technology and HEPA filtration.
New approach to operations: We have transformed our operational processes to accommodate physical distancing efforts and established new service offerings to deliver the same guest amenities in reimagined ways.
Restructured accommodations: Technology will allow mobile check-in and contactless dining and fitness options at many hotels across the company’s portfolio.
Proactive communication: To ensure transparency, information about the program is available on Hersha’s website and signage. Employees also have been trained to answer all questions.
Other precautions: Plexiglass partitions have been installed at front desks, hand sanitizer stations are located throughout the hotels and associates have been provided safety gear and equipment.
“Our newly implemented cleanliness program is focused on the well-being our of guests, our associates, and our communities,” said Jay Shah, Hersha’s CEO. “Advanced cleaning practices are complemented by innovative technologies to streamline guest experience and support transparent communication before and throughout our guests’ stays. In preparation of launching ‘Rest Assured,’ our associates have undergone extensive training to ensure we exceed expectations for guest and associates’ health and safety at our hotels,”
In early May, Philadelphia-based Hersha returned money it had received from the federal Paycheck Protection Program that Shah said others may need more.
“The program was underfunded,” Shah told the Philadelphia Inquirer at the time. “It’s just not who we are. We wouldn’t be in the fray here, trying to muscle our neighbor out of getting relief, if they have no other source.”
Sonesta launched Americas Best Value Studios, an extended-stay version of ABVI.
The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping.
The brand meets demand for longer-term, value-focused stays.
SONESTA INTERNATIONAL HOTELS Corp. launched Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta, an extended-stay version of its franchised brand, Americas Best Value Inn. The model targets owners seeking limited front desk and housekeeping, optional fitness center and lobby market along with standard brand requirements.
The brand aims to address the growing demand for longer-term, value-driven accommodations, Sonesta said in a statement.
"Americas Best Value Studios by Sonesta represents a strategic evolution of our trusted Americas Best Value Inn brand," Keith Pierce, Sonesta’s executive vice president and president of franchise development, said. "We are expanding our offerings to directly address the increasing demand within the extended-stay segment, providing a practical solution for travelers seeking longer-term lodging at value. This new brand type allows our local franchised owner-operators to tap into a growing market while maintaining the community-focused experience that Americas Best Value Inn is known for."
ABVI has a majority presence in secondary and tertiary markets, the statement said.
The extended-stay brand’s operational model features a front desk, bi-weekly housekeeping, on-site laundry and pet-friendly accommodations, Sonesta said. Guests can also earn or redeem points through the Sonesta Travel Pass loyalty program.
In August, Sonesta named Stayntouch its preferred property management system after a two-year review of its ability to support the company’s franchise model. The company operates more than 1,100 properties with more than 100,000 rooms across 13 brands on three continents.
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