Bringing Clean Air to the Hospitality Sector with the Chicago Athletic Association

For our latest Q+A, we spoke with Patrick Hatton, general manager at the Chicago Athletic Association to learn why clean air is a critical amenity within the hospitality industry. Founded in 1893, the Chicago Athletic Association is an iconic local landmark welcoming hotel guests from around the world. The accommodations maintain old-school charm while also offering contemporary hotel amenities. Patrick provides insights on the importance of clean air in the hotel setting, the safety and health changes that were made in response to the pandemic, and how guests and employees responded to the addition of air purifiers within their communal spaces—all with the goal of helping other hospitality businesses replicate their success. ?

Why did the Chicago Athletic Association decide to purchase air purifiers for the property? ?

Before becoming a hotel, individual health was a foundation of the Chicago Athletic Association. Dating back to 1893, our building has always been a space where individuals can come to strive for personal well-being and do so in a comfortable and secure environment. Since opening as a hotel in 2015, our incredible team has worked to ensure our facility is clean, well-maintained, secure, and that our guests continue to be able to be their best while within our care. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a new challenge where the focus shifted from individual health to communal health. To respond to the new challenges presented by the pandemic, our team underwent additional training and revised procedures to continue ensuring our guests' safety. The Blueair filters are a great addition to our team as they tackle airborne pathogens leaving our team free to focus on the cleanliness of surfaces and caring for guests throughout the facility.?

In addition to air quality, which cleaning protocols did the property update because of the pandemic? ?

In preparation for reopening in April 2021, we installed plexiglass barriers at our front desk and concierge desk. We transitioned our hotel breakfast from one of our restaurants into our lobby area, allowing a more significant opportunity for social distancing and outside air circulation. We revisited how we perform all aspects of operation in large and small ways. While we have always ensured the cleanliness of the surfaces in the facility, we reopened with a renewed focus on the importance of diligently addressing cleanliness in all of our guest rooms and common areas.?

What has been the response among both employees and guests after implementing an added layer of protection via the Blueair units? ?

Everyone in our shared spaces, both guests and employees, have been reassured by the knowledge that the Blueair units are constantly monitoring and improving the air quality around us. Not only did we invest in Blueair units for public areas, we also incorporated them in shared spaces amongst our team such as offices and cafeteria. ?

What have been the biggest concerns from guests during the pandemic??

Guests' concerns and levels of concern widely vary, as are guests' reasons to travel. Some guests are reluctant to travel and are doing so only as required. Some are eager to travel and are only concerned with how restrictions will affect their ability to enjoy their journey. We think the shared concern with all guests is whether or not we as a hotel are doing our part to ensure they can travel and have an enjoyable experience with us. The Blueair filters are a visible but unobtrusive reminder that we are invested in the care and well-being of everyone who sets foot in the building.?

Have you seen air quality become an important topic of conversation among the broader hospitality industry in recent years? ?

Absolutely. The pandemic changed many things about the way our industry operates, and, rightfully so, air filtration systems, filter quality, and air circulation have become a huge topic in recent years.?