Court Appointed Receiver Should Be Mindful On Hotel Security Too

Banks and lenders, who move to appoint a court appointed receiver prior to foreclosure, should add hotel security to the list of priorities as part of the transition. As we approach 9/11, the short term nature of hotel receiverships makes the property a target for unexpected situations given that employees may be more concerned about having a job than watching out for guest safety and security. Add this hotel educational resource from the American Hotel & Lodging Association that can help you and an officer of the court avoid any mishaps: “Developed in partnership with international security experts, hospitality leaders, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s If You See Something, Say Something™ campaign, Eye on Awareness™—Hotel Security and Anti-terrorism Training provides the skills and knowledge essential for hotel employees to recognize, report and react to suspicious situations at their property. The online course focuses your hotel employees on the following: a) See Something – Recognizing Suspicious Activity, b) Say Something – Reporting Suspicious Activity, and c) Do Something – Responding to Crisis Situations.” A court appointed receiver and its staff can order the full training module here. There is also a recent article on hotel security guidelines that can help focus staff on these issues. One important excerpt reads: “Preparedness should extend beyond a company’s executives, said Tom Whitlatch of Hospitality Risk Controls. Housekeepers, those employees who spend a considerable amount of time in hotel hallways and guestrooms, need to be trained to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior.” Your interim hotel general manager and employees for the property can access the full article here. Note: Other hotel property receivership resources, including security, are on our blogs. Are you a bank, creditor or investor group in the process of getting a court appointed receiver to manage and oversee a distressed hotel? What security and safety issues have you considered to be the most important given the location and physical size of the lodging property? Please share your input with our readers.