Hygiene Standards in Hotels: What They Are and How They're Implemented

Are there any binding hygiene regulations for hotels?

While general hygiene requirements are largely uniform in many countries, for example with regard to hygiene regulations for restaurants and food handling, there are no binding legal provisions governing cleaning in hotel rooms or public areas of hotels. However, there are standards that regulate cleaning services in general, including DIN EN 13549, known in Switzerland as SN EN 13549 – a Europe-wide recognized standard that deals with the cleaning of buildings. It specifies requirements for measuring the quality of cleaning processes and provides recommendations for maintaining quality. This standard provides a clearly structured and helpful basis for hygiene standards in hotels.

A decisive competitive advantage: high hygiene standards in hotels

The hotel industry is growing steadily, and compliance with strict hygiene requirements can make a decisive difference: guests who feel comfortable in their surroundings will come back and, in the best case, even recommend the hotel to others. Hygiene is crucial in this context. This is because trust in an establishment often arises from the perception of a standard of hygiene that is evident in every detail—from the reception desk to the hotel room. When hotels implement appropriate hygiene standards, this creates a positive atmosphere and also sends a signal of quality and responsibility. Apart from its practical benefits, cleanliness in hotels is also very important in marketing.

Guest perspective: expectations of hygiene in the hotel industry

Cleanliness and hygiene are usually at the top of guest reviews. A hygienic environment signals professionalism, safety, and comfort. Many guests perceive inadequate cleanliness as a breach of trust, which can lead to negative reviews and long-term damage to a hotel's image. From spotless bed linen to disinfected common areas, visitors expect an environment that meets high standards.

Hotels should therefore take the guest perspective seriously and optimize their housekeeping in a targeted manner. This includes transparent communication about the hygiene measures taken—for example, through notices, digital information screens, or information in the booking confirmation. Ideally, visitor feedback should also be taken into account. Publishing a hygiene certificate or working with external testing institutions also strengthens confidence in the hotel's hygiene standards.

Cleaning in hotels: important hygiene measures

Hygiene standards in hotels apply to both basic cleanliness and specific areas. It is not just a matter of regular cleaning, but also of effective management of cleaning solutions.

Cleaning guest rooms:

• Contact surfaces: All surfaces that are frequently touched (door handles, light switches, remote controls) should be disinfected regularly.
• Textiles: Allergy-friendly and environmentally friendly cleaning agents are particularly suitable for washing bed linen, towels, and curtains.
• Sanitary facilities: Bathrooms require special attention. Disinfecting toilet facilities, sinks, and shower areas ensures hygienic use.

Common areas:

• Lobby: The lobby influences the first impression visitors get of a hotel. For this reason, regular cleaning of all surfaces is essential to ensure a clean and inviting space.
• Wellness areas: Areas such as saunas and whirlpools are subject to particularly high hygiene standards in hotels. This is because the increased humidity promotes the growth of germs.
• Outdoor areas: To ensure a well-maintained appearance, the outdoor areas of the hotel should not be neglected. This includes terraces and gardens, for example.

Hygiene regulations for catering in hotels

Compliance with hygiene standards in hotels is particularly important in the kitchen. The HACCP concept (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) plays a central role here. This is a method for identifying and controlling hazards along the food chain. Part of this approach includes, for example, regularly checking temperatures, preparation techniques, and the hygiene of kitchen staff.

Effective measures for maintaining hygiene standards in hotels

Innovative hygiene technologies are particularly important in the hotel industry. They aim to optimize the entire cleaning process and thus create a pleasant atmosphere for guests and staff alike. In addition, such technologies go hand in hand with cost savings – creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.

UV-C disinfection technology

UV-C light disinfects surfaces and air in a very short time. This significantly reduces the number of bacteria and germs, which is particularly beneficial in frequently used areas such as rooms and bathrooms.

Automated vacuum robots

Robots efficiently clean floors in hotel rooms and public areas – with consistent cleaning quality. Hotel operators also save valuable human resources.

Intelligent floor cleaning systems

These systems measure the level of dirt on the floors and automatically adjust the cleaning. This ensures that resources are used efficiently and avoids unnecessary consumption of water and cleaning agents.

Disinfectant dispensers with sensor technology

Thanks to contactless disinfectant dispensers, hand disinfection in areas such as entrances and toilets is extremely hygienic.

Steam cleaning devices

Steam cleaners offer an effective alternative to chemical cleaning agents. They are an ideal solution, especially in wellness areas and rooms furnished with sensitive materials.

Digital hygiene controls

More and more hotels are turning to digital systems that allow real-time monitoring of hygiene conditions. These solutions document cleaning processes seamlessly, thereby simplifying quality assurance.

Sustainable cleaning solutions

Environmentally friendly cleaning products are now indispensable. Hotels are increasingly turning to products that are just as effective as conventional products but less harmful to the environment. When choosing equipment and machines, the focus is also on energy efficiency and durability.

Intelligent cleaning planning

The Internet of Things (IoT) and sensors enable cleaning schedules to be adapted dynamically. Sensors in rooms and public areas monitor the condition of floors, furniture, and surfaces and report when cleaning is required. This smart planning saves resources and ensures that hygiene standards are maintained in the hotel.

By relying on innovative technologies, hotels can reliably comply with hygiene regulations and increase guest satisfaction at the same time. The trend toward smarter, automated solutions will continue to influence cleaning in the hotel industry in the coming years and redefine the standard for hygiene.

Impeccable hygiene in the hotel industry: potential challenges

Maintaining hygiene standards in hotels can sometimes be a challenge. This is often due to high cleaning requirements, inefficient use of resources, and a lack of efficiency. Even though hygiene is a top priority, hotel operators want to run their businesses as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible—a contradiction? Not necessarily, because with the help of effective cleaning machines and well-trained staff, this goal can be achieved with ease:

• Dealing with high cleaning requirements while maintaining cost efficiency: In hotels, there is often a conflict between the need for cleanliness and the pursuit of cost efficiency. The solution lies in automating certain processes, such as through the use of cleaning robots or intelligent systems that measure and optimize cleaning efforts.
• Training cleaning staff in standardized procedures: An increasingly common problem is inconsistency in cleaning. Different standards and working techniques lead to inconsistencies. Regular training and clear, documented processes ensure that all employees maintain the same hygiene standards in the hotel. Learning platforms and digital training programs keep staff up to date and help them internalize the latest knowledge.
• Integration of digital systems for monitoring hygiene measures: Manual monitoring of hygiene standards is usually error-prone and time-consuming. Digital systems for monitoring hygiene requirements offer an efficient solution here. Computer-assisted technology (CAT) from the field of smart cleaning enables real-time monitoring of cleaning processes, documents the implementation of disinfection measures, and reminds staff of specific cleaning times. This ensures transparency and continuous compliance with hygiene requirements in hotels.
• Adapting to fluctuating guest numbers: When occupancy rates are high, the cleaning workload increases enormously. One solution is to flexibly adjust staffing levels and use powerful cleaning equipment that works effectively in a shorter time. Cleaning robots are also a good choice in such situations. They work continuously as needed, without any breaks.
• Hygiene requirements in hotels and sustainable cleaning solutions: Sustainability is a hot topic. This makes environmentally friendly cleaning products and resource-saving practices all the more important. Hotels can reduce their negative impact on the environment with biodegradable cleaning products and economical technologies.
• Crisis management and rapid response to hygiene issues: When unexpected events occur, such as a sudden complaint about hygiene issues, a quick and coordinated response is required. With crisis plans in place and staff trained in emergency scenarios and communication, hotels can take immediate action to resolve the situation and regain guests' trust.

Hygiene standards in hotels – a factor in quality and success

In the hotel industry, hygiene is a key criterion for the guest experience, the quality of the business, and long-term success. Clear standards, innovative technologies, and well-trained staff create trust and help the hotel to stay ahead of the competition. If hotels implement hygiene standards strategically and adapt them flexibly as needed, they will secure a solid foundation for a successful and sustainable future.