Forbes
By Katie Chang
Like every hospitality brand, Graduate Hotels is navigating how to safely reopen in the midst of COVID-19. But what's making an already challenging process even more so is the highly social nature of its properties. “We are a collection of thoughtfully crafted hotels celebrating the communities and school systems where we’re anchored,” explains Eric Hassberger, president of AJ Capital Partners (the owner of Graduate Hotels). “And now, we’re trying to be great partners to the local universities – who are going through unprecedented, challenging times – while protecting our employees and guests.”
With that in mind, the brand teamed up with Cleveland Clinic and Procter & Gamble in establishing Graduate Cares, a groundbreaking program meeting the stringent cleaning standards of experts from the medical and hospitality fields. “Right out of the gate: it was important to message safety to our guests in a way they can see, understand, and most importantly, trust,” says Hassberger. So in addition to basic measures you already expect in public spaces nowadays (like reduced occupancy, hand sanitizers, and social distancing), Graduate Hotels ensures all staff has adequate access to PPE, and that common areas and accommodations aren’t just clean – but thoroughly disinfected with products proven to combat COVID-19 for extra peace of mind.