Mercure Hotels Case Study | Excellence in Hotel Cleanliness

The grade 2 listed Mercure Brighton Hotel was built in 1864 and is a landmark building situated on Brighton’s busy seafront.


Directly overlooking the beach, the building is constantly subject to the full force of the prevailing south westerly weather patterns. It’s important for the hotel’s high quality brand and image that the exterior is well maintained.


The hotel is busy all year round with tourists and business functions, alongside weddings and conferences – so it’s crucial that any renovations do not disrupt the day to day activities of the hotel.


The project


Duration: 5 weeks,  December - February 2014


Works included:

  • Replacement of rainwater downpipes
  • Replacing leading on roof at fifth floor level
  • Replacing patent glazed screen at sixth floor level
  • Cleaning and renovating a listed archway with ornate stucco work


Challenges


The Mercure hotel is a busy hotel and it was essential that ‘business as usual’ was maintained throughout the refurbishments. We organised our activities around the hotel’s schedule while also ensuring that disruption was kept to a minimum for nearby residential properties.


Listed ornate archway

The listed ornate archway has not been painted for some time – partly because of the difficulties with access and the challenges of the detailed repairs required. The archway renovation team were also working in close proximity to residents’ houses either side of the small mews. We needed to gain high level access without encroaching or blocking the fire escapes. The existing substrate, had to be thoroughly cleaned, raking out cracks and joints and removing loose render before repair work could begin. The existing paint finishes and colours were matched and we secured approval from the local conservation officer before proceeding.


High level access to roofs

This work was carried out in one of our worst winters, with high winds and rain regularly interrupting activities. We scheduled cherry pickers around ‘windows’ in the weather to optmise their use and reduce the risk of cancellation fees.


Solutions


The site supervisor discussed the approach agreed with the conservation officer with all stakeholders.


Neighbouring properties and the mews residents were consulted about the scheduled works and the site supervisor made regular checks to make sure the mews residents were happy with the progress and care taken to mitigate disruption.


We repaired all cracks/spalls using a proprietary cement-based external grade render repair system. We patch-painted a small area to match the existing finish. Once approved by the conservation officer, we applied one mist and two full coats of water based, high performance matt finish masonry coating that carries BBA certification.


We obtained all the necessary licenses to carry out the work and regularly liaised with the local conservation officer, hotel management and nearby residents throughout the works.

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A white building with a black door and stairs leading to it.

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Astound Cleaning News

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Abseiling window cleaning, also known as rope access cleaning, involves: Technical Aspects: • Use of double-rope systems meeting British safety standards • Industrial-grade anchoring points • Specialised cleaning equipment • Safety backup mechanisms • Weather monitoring systems The Process: Site Assessment Building structure evaluation Anchor point inspection Risk assessment completion Weather condition check Access point determination Equipment Setup Rope system installation Safety equipment checks Cleaning equipment preparation Communication system testing Emergency equipment positioning Cleaning Operation Systematic descent procedures Professional cleaning techniques Regular safety checks Progress monitoring Quality control measures Professional Considerations When dealing with high-rise window cleaning in South East England, several factors must be considered: Weather Conditions: • Coastal wind considerations • British rainfall patterns • Temperature effects • Visibility levels • Seasonal variations Building Characteristics: • Local architectural styles • Listed building considerations • Access points • Safety systems • Building usage Legal Requirements: • UK insurance requirements • British safety certifications • Local council regulations • Work permits • HSE risk assessments Quality Assurance Professional rope access window cleaning services maintain high standards through: Regular Training: • Updated UK safety protocols • New equipment familiarisation • Emergency procedure practice • Team coordination exercises • Technical skill enhancement Equipment Maintenance: • Regular inspections to British standards • Replacement schedules • Documentation requirements • Testing procedures • Storage protocols Client Communication: • Progress updates • Safety briefings • Schedule coordination • Quality feedback • Maintenance recommendations Future Developments The rope access window cleaning industry in South East England continues to evolve with Technological Advances: • Improved safety equipment • Enhanced cleaning tools • Weather monitoring systems • Communication devices • Training simulators Industry Standards: • Updated UK safety protocols • Environmental considerations • Equipment specifications • Training requirements • Quality benchmarks Choosing Professional Services When selecting a rope access window cleaning service in South East England, consider: Company Credentials: • IRATA certification • UK insurance coverage • Safety record • Regional experience • Local client testimonials Service Quality: • Equipment standards • Training protocols • Safety procedures • Communication methods • Quality guarantees Conclusion Professional rope access window cleaning in South East England combines advanced technical skills with rigorous safety protocols to provide effective solutions for maintaining high-rise buildings. The success of these operations depends on proper training, equipment maintenance, and adherence to British safety standards. When choosing a service provider, ensure they meet all necessary UK qualifications and maintain high professional standards while understanding the unique challenges of working in the South East region.
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