At the beginning of August, our Content Marketing Manager, Ryan Adelson, spent the night at the Bisha Hotel in Toronto. The four star hotel is located in downtown Toronto and has made great efforts to keep its guests and employees safe during this time. Ryan shares her experience staying at the hotel and learning about their efforts.
Check-in
As I was walking into the hotel, there was a hostess at the door ensuring I was there to stay at the hotel or to visit one of the restaurants, limiting how many people went inside the building, which I appreciated.
At check-in itself I noticed a few differences:
- There was plexiglass in front of the check-in counter
- Staff and guests were wearing masks as per Ontario law
- I swiped my own credit card and the machine was cleaned after every use
- I was handed a PPE kit
- I was made aware of their mobile concierge service
Cleaning Protocols
Félix Laurence the Associate Director Of Sales at Bisha Hotel Toronto, met with me to go through the new procedures at the hotel.
In public spaces, he informed me that there is a dedicated employee who is in charge of cleaning and disinfecting every hour - this includes public washrooms, elevators, the lobby etc...
The hotel has installed hand sanitizing stations on each guest floor by the elevator and throughout the hotel wherever there is high traffic.
Things are changing on a daily basis at the hotel as the staff listen to what guests are saying based on surveys and their comments. The hotel is of course also changing frequently to adapt to provincial and federal laws.
Find out about Bisha Hotel’s Safety and Well Being Protocols
Room Tour
It was great to find out that rooms are kept empty for 48 hours before housekeeping goes in. Each room is inspected by the housekeeping manager and sealed for the next guest.
I found the room to be very much the same as before as the mini bar was left the same and little things like a hair dryer was still in the room. However, I noticed that instead of regular glasses there were disposable ones wrapped in plastic and many other high touch items were removed such as the duvet, umbrellas etc...
Amenities
At the time of the visit, the gym was not open yet, however, there were plans for it to open soon with 90 minute time slots, after which the gym would be cleaned.
The pool was open for 2 hour time slots at a time with chairs 6 feet apart and social distancing respected while in the pool.
Food and Beverage
All restaurants were open and I had the opportunity to dine at Akira Back, which was delicious! Other options are Mister C, Kost and French Made.
The dining experience was great with indoor and outdoor options. Indoors, plexi glass portions have been added in some spaces. The hotel offered room service while I was there, which they would leave outside the room to minimize contact.
