Wondering what to expect once you get to Las Vegas in the wake of pandemic shutdowns? Well, the resorts here have a lot planned. Tony Rodio, Chief Executive Officer of Caesars Entertainment, said in a statement, “We are implementing new protocols focused on the well-being of our team members, guests and communities to create environments with high standards of sanitization and physical distancing practices. We are working closely with public health authorities, gaming regulators and infectious disease specialists to design our plan.” That type of commitment was also made clear in a release from MGM Resorts International, where MGM Resorts Acting CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said, “Our properties will not look the way they used to for a while, and that’s not only okay, it’s critically important. We will continue providing the hospitality experiences we are known for, but we must do so safely.”
While protocols may vary from hotel to hotel, here are some of the things being implemented:
Widespread sanitization efforts, from the lobby to the hotel rooms, with hospital-grade, CDC-recommended disinfectants and cleaning techniques. You will see sanitation stations, where you can wash your hands, hand sanitizer stations and lots of signage that will answer lots of questions for you, and encourage you to wash your hands. What you see is only part of sanitation and social distancing efforts, though. Behind the scenes, hotel employees will be encouraged to wash their hands often throughout shifts and to wear gloves in appropriate situations, such as entering guest rooms for cleaning or for luggage delivery. Employees are also being asked to social distance as much as possible, including in employee dining rooms, restrooms, loading docks and other areas, and those areas will also be sanitized frequently.
Health evaluations. Some resorts will take temperatures using thermal scanning devices and ask how you are as soon as you step into the lobby. If you have a temperature, you may be asked additional questions and undergo a second screening. You will probably be asked to self-screen your health throughout your stay, and request help if needed.
A lot of masks. Almost all employees will be wearing masks and you will probably be requested to wear one yourself, although each property’s requirements vary. MGM Resorts International will greet arriving guests and offer you one, if you’re not already wearing one, and encourage you to wear one in public areas. Caesars Entertainment also will encourage guests to wear a mask, and will provide it. OYO Las Vegas will provide a safety kit in each room that includes a mask.
Check-ins will vary, but many will have contactless, or low-contact options. MGM Resorts International will allow check-ins on phones, which includes setting up payments, verifying identification and getting a digital key. If you don’t want a digital key, you will be able to access a physical key with a self-serve option or get help checking in with an employee.
Guests are being encouraged to limit the number of persons on an elevator, and to ride up with your party. In the elevator, buttons and surfaces are cleaned frequently. Outside the elevator, social distancing will occur if there is a line.
In your room, enhanced cleaning protocols will be in effect. Surfaces will be completely wiped down with disinfectant, and some high-tech methods may be used. Most hotels will be happy to share their cleaning requirements with you.
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