The Hotel at the University of Maryland to Reopen

By AFRO Staff

Following extensive consideration and the development of enhanced cleaning protocols to align with federal guidelines and industry recommendations, The Hotel at the University of Maryland, a hotel and conference center adjacent to the University of Maryland (UMD), College Park, announced plans to reopen on June 1.

The coronavirus has had a major impact on all businesses, large and small. “As we re-open, we do so looking at lower business levels and new operational expectations from our team and our guests,” Linda Westgate, general manager of The Hotel at the University of Maryland said.

The time spent social distancing allowed for a restructuring of the hotel’s strategy to take place. “We have a new company-wide program touching on every part of the guest experience to promote physical distancing, sanitize areas frequently and increase awareness around the public areas of the hotel. All of this combines with an expectation that business will return slowly, but steadily, and we will have to continuously modify our operations to comply with changing standards for gatherings and events as we work to accommodate our individual guests and groups.”

With a motto reading, “Our attention to detail is your peace of mind,” The Hotel at the University of Maryland, was recently recognized as a “2020 AAA Best of Housekeeping,” property. The hotel enhanced their cleaning protocols to align with new federal guidelines and industry recommendations. New disinfecting measures and modified operating practices incorporating physical distancing and low/no-touch operations are key pillars of the program.

Hotel representatives said that they always had a high expectation of cleanliness, so, in addition to frequent cleaning and sanitizing of all public spaces, guests can expect to see: hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the hotel; guides to help guests maintain physical distance in common areas, with furniture arrangements as a reinforcement; and updated housekeeping procedures for in house and newly arrived guests.

“As a 2020 AAA Housekeeping Award winning property, enhancements in our housekeeping protocols are complemented with a focus on our interactions, physical distancing and modifications of service to improve the guest experience and stay connected. It is truly a partnership with our guests as we will provide an exceptionally clean property and the comfort they are looking for as we host their overnight stays and future events,” Westgate explained. “We will work together to interact safely and are looking forward to creating new memories for all.”

For more information on The Hotel at the University of Maryland’s comprehensive plan, visit www.thehotelumd.com/nowopen.