We would like to follow up on the latest changes in our hotel network sharing the implications of recent changes and provide some background information.
Once again, we would like to thank all the colleagues who helped us with their reports bringing deficiencies to our attention and to provide feedback (both positive and negative) to changes made regarding our accommodation. These are a valuable contribution to our work particularly as we don´t always get the opportunities to suggest hotels to the company before a move is decided.
There are regular meetings with Senior Management to assess where the next COVID risks are, and these are held at least two weeks before moves are made. We are still expecting that we are part of the process to suggest all hotels in a collaborative approach predominantly because we are the end users of hotels.
Nutrition has been a real concern at many of the hotels. Location of hotels is therefore important where restaurants are open, even for pick up or delivery service.
Please continue to provide reports on hotels and meal deficiencies via a Voyage Report on iQSMS as this information is passed on to Senior Management at regular COVID meetings to make the remedial changes.
USA General
Due to the ongoing COVID crisis in parts of the US and the associated risks, Flight Operations Management has had to react in such a dynamic situation. This includes the suspension of layovers in certain destinations or, when risks are acceptable in certain states, to relocate hotel accommodation to safer areas such as in Texas. Many hotels still have limited inhouse restaurant facilities especially for breakfast where we see substandard quantity and quality.
IAH
The Westin Woodlands hotel in Montgomery County was selected without the consent of the hotel committee, however, after having checked it and after having received positive feedback from numerous flight crews the hotel committee has agreed to this temporary accommodation. The breakfast was far below what is considered a minimum nutrition value and once advising management the hotel will provide inhouse room dining between 07.00 and 09.00 local time.
DFW
The Embassy Suites in Denton was also unilaterally selected by the company without consulting the Hotel Committee. We are particularly concerned about the lack of (proper) nutrition as the restaurants in walking distance are fast food restaurants only. We would appreciate feedback from the crews whether the hotel and its surroundings are acceptable or not. As usual, please file a Voyage Report and send a copy to cvhotels@alpl.lu
HKG
Just as we were about to publish this update indicating that HKG layovers were being avoided, there has been a change. We are still determining what the situation will be at the hotel nominated by the authorities. As you will have noticed this is now the third destination where in room confinement is now mandated. Again any updated reports on the hotel would be appreciated.
BKK
It is very unfortunate that at this time the restrictions have been further tightened. We are still forced to stay at the Novotel airport hotel. The permission to leave the room and to visit the courtyard Thai Garden to alleviate total isolation in room confinements has been revoked.
We have to self-quarantine in the room and are not allowed to leave it unless it is for the next flight duty. Smokers can, however, request a smoking room. We would appreciate reports on quality of room service if it has changed.
ICN
We are glad to announce that we will change hotels and return to the JW Marriott in the near future. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all colleagues who filed numerous reports to ensure that the CWA non compliances of the previous hotel accommodation could be challenged.
MEX
While we are happy to have returned to the Hyatt hotel, we unfortunately received reports about an unsatisfactory breakfast situation. The buffet is closed and instead crew members were only allowed to consume up to 400 Pesos (US$18) on the a la carte breakfast, which was not sufficient.
We addressed this with management, and this has now been rectified with the following breakfast: “freshly squeezed orange, grapefruit or green juice or sliced fruit with plain yogurt, two eggs any style with hash brown and protein of your choice: turkey ham, bacon or country sausages, freshly baked pastries from “Amado” (two pieces) or whole wheat or white toast (two slices) American Coffee or tea”.
HSV
On 2 August we commenced flights to Huntsville. The hotel is the Westin Huntsville and is located in an area with plenty of restaurants that are open for business. As per the Hotel Policy two other hotels were also viewed so that tenders can be requested for a permanent contract. The Westin will be maintained for three months and has the following benefits:
Breakfast is open 07.00 to 09.00 local time and has an a la carte menu where a coupon is provided at check in. Currently no room service is available, however the restaurant is open in the evenings.
