Hot on the heels of our recent bed bug story, Word on Health is delighted to bring you news of a better nights sleep.
The Hyatt hotel chain is pioneering a program where they will set aside rooms specifically for people with allergies and asthma. 3% to 5% of all full-service Hyatt hotel rooms will be converted this year – a total of 2,000 rooms at 125 properties
First up – the Hyatt Hill Country Resort in San Antonio, TX. In addition to enjoying the spa, lazy river, and beautiful golf course, guests can now chose to stay in a hypoallergenicroom.
As we write, crews are preparing 16 rooms to make them allergy friendly.
Measures will include:
- Putting special coverings on mattresses and pillow cases
- All hard and soft surfaces will be coated with a special barrier
- Each room has an air purifier – a class two medical device that re-circulates the air 4 x an hour
“When you walk into the room, the air doesn’t feel as humid or as heavy,” observed executive assistant manager Jeff Babcock. “It actually feels light. As an allergy sufferer myself, I can tell you I feel nice and relaxed when I walk in.”
The cost of upgrading to an allergy friendly room will be $25-$30 per night. Iif the rooms prove to be popular, Hyatt will expand the program.
According to the hotel giant, there is a growing demand for such rooms from guests who suffer from respiratory problems. This is not so surprising given that about 54% of Americans are sensitive to at least one allergen. Dust mites, a major component of dust, are one of the more common allergens and can be found in mattresses, pillows, carpets and upholstery. A frequently cited 1996 study in New Zealand found that hotel carpeting and beds had the highest concentration of dust mite allergens of any public place, including hospitals, rest homes, churches, child care centers and movie theaters.
SRxA’s Word on Health applauds the Hyatt on this initiative. We’d also like to hear from you if you have allergy related hotel stories to share.
SRxA's Word on Health 