Today, cleanliness is a top priority for hotel guests; while they may not have had a second thought pre-pandemic about door handles and buttons, now most everyone is hyper-aware of surfaces that could hold germs and viruses. This hyper-awareness is also impacting purchasing decisions.

As an example, according to a blind survey in the United States conducted by Metova, 90% say it is very or extremely important that the facility they stay at enforces COVID-19 safety policies and nearly 90% prefer that the hotel they stay at has a mobile app offering the ability to completely manage a stay without having to interact with a person.

Hotel operators continue to re-define what a hotel stay looks like based on guest expectations. This includes enhanced cleaning and sanitation as well as social distancing measures, mobile check-in apps, key-less entry, and mobile concierge services to provide a safe, healthy and welcome place for guests. In addition, hotel operators are also looking at innovative, touch-free equipment options to help ease guest’s fears and minimize in-person contact at their properties.

One way Avendra is helping hotel operators meet guest expectations is through Avendra’s FF&E offerings which now include several solutions for touchless ice and beverage dispensing, including four described below:

• BUNN Tech-enabled Touchless Beverage Dispensing: To reduce shared contact points, this machine provides guests with a fully automated, touchless coffee experience. With intuitive, step-by-step instructions they scan a QR code on their smartphone where they can open a mobile web page and make a drink selection.
• Meridan’s Touch-Free Ice and Water Dispenser: This touch-free, infrared option dispenses ice and water, and its sealed, maintenance-free bearings reduce preventative maintenance and ensure maximum reliability.
• Manitowoc Touchless Lever Activated Ice Chute: Guests can use the ice bucket or glass to activate the lever which dispenses the ice, eliminating the need to touch.
• Elkay’s Rapid Bottled Water Filling Stations: Elkay’s filling stations are ideal for hospitality, providing guests with convenient hydration to quench thirst and minimize plastic bottle waste in the environment.

Avendra is your one-stop-shop for furniture, fixtures, equipment and CAPEX spending. Our FF&E team combines broad experience, in-depth product knowledge and a focus on customer satisfaction. Whether you need pool or kitchen equipment, new ice machines, or mattresses and box springs — Avendra has the experience to source the best possible solution for your specific need.

Given the significant emphasis on health and safety measures, how does Avendra ensure that its FF&E offerings, especially those that are touchless, maintain the same level of convenience and efficiency for guests as traditional fixtures and equipment?

Avendra rigorously evaluates each piece of equipment for its operational efficiency and user-friendliness, alongside health and safety standards. For instance, our BUNN Tech-enabled Touchless Beverage Dispensing system is designed with intuitive step-by-step instructions accessible via a QR code, ensuring guests can enjoy their coffee without any hassle or need for physical contact. Similar principles apply to our touch-free ice and water dispensers, which are equipped with infrared technology or lever activation to provide seamless service. Our goal is to seamlessly integrate safety without compromising on the quality of the guest experience, ensuring that each touchless solution offers a straightforward, efficient process for all users.

With the pandemic accelerating the demand for mobile app integrations within the hospitality industry, how is Avendra addressing this shift towards digitalization, especially in areas beyond touchless equipment?

Avendra is at the forefront of supporting hotel operators in their transition towards a more digital, contactless guest experience. Beyond providing touchless equipment, we recognize the importance of a holistic digital approach to hospitality management. This includes facilitating access to mobile check-in apps, key-less entry, and mobile concierge services through our partnerships and vendor network. We’re committed to helping our clients implement the most advanced, user-friendly technologies that not only meet current health and safety expectations but also enhance the overall guest experience by making it more convenient, personalized, and enjoyable.

In light of the increased focus on sustainability alongside health and safety, how does Avendra balance these two critical aspects in its FF&E offerings, particularly in products like Elkay’s Rapid Bottled Water Filling Stations?

Sustainability and health safety are not mutually exclusive but complementary aspects of Avendra’s strategic approach to FF&E solutions. Our Elkay Rapid Bottled Water Filling Stations exemplify this balance perfectly by minimizing plastic bottle waste, thereby supporting environmental sustainability, while also providing a touchless, hygienic solution to keep guests hydrated. This dual focus ensures that our offerings not only respond to immediate health concerns but also contribute to long-term environmental goals. Avendra continuously seeks out and promotes products that align with these dual objectives, ensuring our clients can offer their guests a responsible and safe hospitality experience.

For additional health and safety solutions available through Avendra FF&E Services, visit this page or contact Avendra FF&E Services.