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Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a .
Updated: July 13, 2024, 9:10am CDT43 Published Articles 3382 Edited Articles
Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the executive director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now editor-in-chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r.
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The travel industry has been heavily impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Initially, travel came almost to a complete standstill. Then, there was a slow reopening of some countries, and now we find ourselves in a complicated recovery period. Throughout it all, hotels have been doing everything they can to welcome travelers back to their properties while providing a safe experience.
Some governments have provided guidelines for safe reopening, but many hotels have taken it upon themselves to implement procedures to help keep guests safe and healthy while on property.
While some hotels may provide a “pre-pandemic” feel, depending on where you are traveling to, you should expect social distancing protocols, health checks, more contactless options, extra cleaning, and more.
Navigating all of these new procedures can be confusing and time-consuming when you’re looking to book your next trip with safety as a top-of-mind concern.
That’s exactly why we’ve created this easy-to-read guide with everything you need to know about your next hotel stay with major chains around the world.
Hotel
Social Distancing
Health Check
Masks Required
Contactless Check-In
Enhanced Cleaning
*Fully vaccinated guests are not required to wear a face mask at U.S. locations.
**Will vary by property based on local guidelines.
The Shangri-La Group has modified its Shangri-La Cares program to address concerns crated by COVID-19.
From keeping employees safe and monitoring their health to extra cleaning and social distancing, here’s everything you can expect to see on your next trip to one of the chain’s luxury hotels.
Prior to arrival, guests will receive property-specific details about what to expect during their stay. At hotels in Southeast Asia and Australasia, guests will have their temperatures taken and will have to complete a health and travel declaration upon arrival.
All guests will be required to wear face masks in public areas and are encouraged to check in and checkout using the Shangri-La mobile app on iOS or Android to assist with social distancing.
Communal spaces will receive increased cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch items. Signage and queue ropes will be placed to help guests maintain safe physical distance.
Sanitizing stations will be available at the front desk and other common areas, and some hotels will be providing self-care packs for guests which include a face mask, hand sanitizer, and anti-bacterial wipes.
All guest rooms will receive a thorough cleaning and disinfecting, including increased frequency of sanitization of in-room HVAC units. Linens will be cleaned using high-temperature processes between uses.
Housekeeping services will be limited during a guest’s stay in order to reduce contact between guests and staff. Guests can always request services and amenities if needed.
Restaurants and bars have adjusted seating plans to better allow for social distancing and encourage guests to make reservations in advance as there could be capacity limits. Digital menus and contactless payments will be available.
Some pools and spas may be closed or have limited hours — it’s best to contact your hotel directly for specific protocols. For properties that are operating Kids’ Clubs, there will be mandatory temperature checks for both children and adult participants.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has elevated its health and safety protocols through the “Count on Us” program, designed to give guests peace of mind during their next stay.
Wyndham is a member of the AHLA Safe Stay Advisory Council and has partnered with Ecolab, so you can be sure that these new protocols and practices are based on the most proven guidelines.
If you’re traveling to one of its many properties through the U.S. and Canada, here’s what you can expect.
Face masks are required for unvaccinated guests and there will be more frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch areas.
Contactless mobile check-in and checkout will be available at participating hotels via the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts app available on iOS and Android. Guests will receive disinfecting wipes with their key cards upon arrival.
Social-distancing signs will be placed throughout the hotel as a gentle reminder to guests to keep a safe space around other guests.
Guest rooms will be left vacant for 24 to 72 hours, if possible, after checkout and then thoroughly cleaned and sterilized for the next guest. Non-essential amenities such as pens and decorative pillows may be removed from the guest room.
Housekeeping services will be limited during stays to reduce unnecessary contact but can be requested if needed.
In the restaurants, breakfast items will now be individually wrapped at select hotels.
Whether you’re still not quite ready to travel yet or have been traveling for months, hotels are doing everything they can to keep their properties clean, sterilized, and free from the coronavirus.
From testing employees before their shifts to contactless check-in and enhanced cleaning methods, your next hotel stay will hopefully be one of the cleanest and safest you’ve had in recent memory.
Governments around the world and individual companies alike are constantly learning about and testing new methods to keep travelers safe, so be sure to check this article often for the latest updates.
As always, if you’re feeling sick, stay home, and if you are traveling, be safe!
All information and content provided by Upgraded Points is intended as general information and for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as medical advice or legal advice. For more information, see our Medical & Legal Disclaimers.
Featured Image Credit: HiltonCurrently, all of the major hotel brands are requiring unvaccinated guests to wear masks in indoor public areas. Masks do not need to be worn when eating or drinking, in pools, or in guest rooms.
Hotels around the world are doing everything they can do to bring back travelers in a safe manner. Almost all hotels are requiring face masks for unvaccinated guests, social distancing, increasing cleaning, and providing hand sanitizer as a minimum. Many hotels are even going above and beyond this.
Without a doubt, staying home is the safest thing to do during a pandemic. However, if you find yourself needing to stay in a hotel, almost every hotel has implemented health and safety precautions to ensure guests and staff do not get sick.
Every hotel we researched is now offering hand sanitizer throughout the property and some are even providing individual containers for guests to take with them. If you forgot your mask, many hotels will have them available.
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Chris holds a B.S. in Hospitality and Tourism Management and managed social media for all Marriott properties in South America, making him a perfect fit for UP and its social media channels. He has a passion for making content catered toward family travelers.
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