(Introduction)
Nestled between the dazzling lights of London’s West End and the vibrant energy of Fitzrovia, the Rathbone Hotel has been a welcoming haven for guests since 1975. But the arrival of the global Covid-19 pandemic presented a new challenge: rebuilding traveler confidence in the wake of unprecedented uncertainty. This article dives into the Rathbone Hotel’s journey toward achieving the Covid-19 Certificate of International Good Practice and the impact this certification has had on their business.
(Section 1: The Challenge of Rebuilding Trust)
The Covid-19 pandemic devastated the hospitality industry, leaving hotels struggling to regain the trust of weary travelers. The Rathbone Hotel, heavily reliant on corporate bookings, faced an immediate need to demonstrate its commitment to guest safety.
(Section 2: Seeking Independent Validation)
Daniel Harris, Director of the Rathbone Hotel, recognized the need for a rigorous independent assessment of their Covid-19 protocols. “The hotel has always prioritized health and safety,” he explained, “but the pandemic amplified those expectations.” He was wary of “self-certification” models, deeming them insufficient to truly assure guests and stakeholders.
(Section 3: The GSA Certification Process)
The Rathbone Hotel turned to GSA’s Covid-19 Certificate of International Good Practice, an independent certification process designed to verify that hotels are taking comprehensive steps to protect their guests and staff. GSA experts meticulously review a hotel’s procedures, ensuring they align with internationally recognized standards.
(Section 4: A Thorough Assessment, a Valued Achievement)
The Rathbone Hotel underwent a comprehensive review of their safety protocols in preparation for the GSA assessment. Daniel described the process as “extremely professional, beyond thorough, practical, and common sense.” He praised the GSA team’s commitment to truly understanding the hotel’s procedures and providing helpful feedback.
(Section 5: Building Confidence, Differentiating the Offering)
In September 2020, the Rathbone Hotel achieved the coveted Covid-19 Certificate of International Good Practice. The independent certification provided the hotel with valuable documentation to showcase their commitment to guest safety. “This information will be used on all forms of marketing and promotion,” Daniel stated, “to demonstrate our achievement to bookers.”
(Section 6: A Competitive Edge)
The certification has been a game-changer for the Rathbone Hotel. Daniel believes it sets them apart from competitors, “The international SFJ Awards independent process and certificate were very important as it demonstrates that two parties are reviewing the data and collectively deciding whether or not we deserve the accreditation.”
(Conclusion)
The Rathbone Hotel’s journey to achieve the Covid-19 Certificate of International Good Practice demonstrates their commitment to providing a safe and secure environment for their guests. This certification has boosted traveler confidence, strengthened their standing in the industry, and helped them navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic world. The Rathbone Hotel stands as a beacon of safety and hospitality, ready to welcome guests with the same warmth and care they’ve offered for decades.
