Over the last three weeks, thousands of hotel establishments, from small, family-owned businesses to large, big-brand properties, have shuttered doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Many of these closures are temporary as the properties plan to reopen when the threat-level decreases and consumer demand returns. For others who can’t sustain the loss, it could mean permanent closure. 

While the overall economic, professional, and even personal impact of such sweeping loss is on everyone’s minds, if you work in hospitality you may be wondering what actually happens, on a practical level, when a hotel closes. 

For example, how do hoteliers and managers keep the property safe while it’s largely vacant? Does anyone remain on the property during the shut-down, and, if so, who? What steps will staff be asked to take to help close the property down? Does someone need to stay at the hotel at night? What kind of security measures should the hotel take while closed? 

While specific recommendations or legal requirements around a closure may vary by state and are also dependent on the property type, there are some general protocols that most all properties are advised to follow during a closure.

Here’s an overview of the most important things that should happen when closing a hotel:

Securing the structure

• All exterior and interior doors and exterior windows should be physically checked to ensure they are secure to avoid unwanted entry. 
• Verify that all fire alarms or any other safety or security alarm/alert systems are working and switched on.
• Clear the property of all trash or perishable items.
• Ensure all lighting fixtures or systems are working properly.

Safety measures

• In most cases, a security guard or patrol is required to remain on the property 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, especially during overnight hours when the risk of vandalism or trespassing increases.
• The security patrol should do regular (hourly) sweeps throughout the interior and exterior of the property, checking all doors and windows, parking structures, loading docks, stairwells, public places, and guest room floors. 
• Ensure property communication devices, like radios, are working, charged, and available to any remaining staff or security personnel who remain at the property.

Staffing recommendations

• In addition to security staff, large hotels are often told by insurers that they should have a minimum of several employees on-site during the shut-down in order to keep the property safe and secure. The number of staff required to be on site is determined by the size and configuration of the property, so hoteliers should confirm this number with their insurance carrier.
• Many properties are also required to keep maintenance or engineering workers on the property as much as possible.

In case of emergency

• Ensure any security, maintenance or support staff (including any 3rd party security personnel) are well-versed in the property’s existing safety and security procedures. 
• Clearly document and communicate any expanded security measures the staff must take during the closure, including how to safely respond to trespassers while also practicing current recommendations around physical distancing due to the coronavirus.