It’s crazy to think that this pandemic has been raging for a year now. For many in the U.S., COVID-19 has equated to being more or less house-bound. After all, the CDC has repeatedly warned Americans to stay home to protect themselves against the coronavirus. As a result, travel has been off the cards; at least the type of travel we used to do before we started socially distancing and wearing masks. Previously planned cross-country, and international, vacations have been replaced with localized family excursions and road trips. Hotels have been switched out in favor of RV’s, or short-term house rentals. Things that help families keep to themselves. But are hotels getting a fair shake? Is it possible to stay at a hotel during a pandemic and still feel safe?
This past summer, my family took a few mini vacations within our state. It was an attempt to break up the daily monotony of our lives, and replace the summer vacation that we had begrudgingly canceled. By that time, my boys were going stir crazy at home thanks to remote learning. There was just one problem. I was concerned about the added layer of risk that staying at a hotel posed. However, after a little computer research, I was able to make some calculated decisions.
Here are a few of the simple precautions that my family took when staying at a hotel during a pandemic. Each helped minimize our encounters with others. And I’m happy to report that none of us got sick!
Location, Location
There are two location elements that you will need to consider when finding the right hotel during a pandemic. The first is whether or not the hotel you are looking at is located in an area experiencing high transmission rates. The CDC has a COVID Data Tracker Forecasting tool that enables you to look up cases, deaths, and hospitalizations, by county. This helps hone in on the least risky county within your state.
The second location to consider is that of your hotel room. Are the hotel’s rooms accessible from outdoor corridors (like with motels), or indoor corridors? Is the hotel made up of lots of small buildings? Or is it just one large structure with multiple floors? How many rooms are there on each floor? Do you have to use elevators, or is there a staircase you can use?
These questions can often be answered by looking at the hotel website and/or making an enquiry over the phone. They will help you gauge how many people you are likely to encounter as you move to and from your room. For my part, I try to select hotels where the rooms are accessible from the outside. For the ones that aren’t, my priority is to stay at a smaller hotel, where there are only a few rooms on my floor.
Know Local Rules
You should also pay attention to local rules regarding a short term stay at a hotel during a pandemic. Depending on the rate of transmission, non-essential hotel bookings and short-term rentals may be banned. In those instances, accommodation is only being allowed for COVID-19 mitigation and containment measures. This includes housing for essential workers or homeless populations. Be sure to check the status of your hotel before booking. Hotel search engines will often post a warning about COVID-19 travel restrictions specific to lodging. Make sure you read it!
Shared Air
Remember the individual space heater and air conditioning units that used to be a regular feature in older hotels? Having one in your room today means that you have your own air source. Your room isn’t on a centralized system with all the other rooms in the hotel. The downside is it can mean staying somewhere a little less fancy. However you’d be surprised at how many decent hotel chains still use these units. Bottom line, pay attention to room photos as you surf for hotels on the internet! And, if your room is on a centralized system, open a window for ventilation to allow airborne pathogens to escape.
When it comes to shared air, it is also worth researching or asking the hotel about its check-in protocols. Many hotels have pivoted and come up with creative ways to check-in their guests during this pandemic. For instance, one hotel we stayed at would only allow two people at a time in their reception area. Another had created an outdoor check-in station. Others let you check-in online, thereby minimizing your time at the front desk. Whatever the procedure being used, remember that only one adult is needed to check in. Have the other parent wait outside with the kids until you have your room key!
Don’t Hold the Elevator!
Each hotel has its own procedure regarding elevators during a pandemic. Many limit capacity, with some even marking where you should stand on the floor. Nearly all have hand sanitizer stations in front of their elevator banks. Regardless, if you do find yourself in an elevator, and the door opens for another guest to step in, it is perfectly ok to respectfully ask them to catch the next one. If they don’t oblige, simply step out and wait for another empty car instead. Or, if your hotel has stairs, consider using the staircase.
Say “No” to Daily Housekeeping
Sure, it’s nice to be looked after when you are on vacation. But, during these uncertain times, I believe it is better to pass on daily housekeeping in favor of bringing your own sanitizer wipes. (Even with heightened hotel cleaning policies in place). At the very least, wipe down all high-touch areas like light switches, door handles, taps, TV remotes, phones, and flat surfaces.
If you need more bath towels or toiletries halfway through your stay, call down and ask the front desk to bring up a new set. Ideally while you are in the room to take delivery. You may also want to consider bringing your own water bottles and cups. If you forget, wash the ones provided with soap and water.
Breakfast Included
A hotel during a pandemic means no buffet breakfast. In its place some hotels have set up individually wrapped items that you can grab and take back to your room. However, in my experience, these aren’t great (think yogurt pots, fruit, and tasteless muffins). I therefore suggest picking a hotel that has the ability to custom make your breakfast order. Look for options that allow you to take your breakfast back to your room, have it delivered, or where you can eat in an appropriately spaced outdoor dining area.
Also, if it is important to stay in a hotel with an onsite restaurant, make sure to choose a hotel with outdoor dining spaces for lunch and dinner. And make a reservation before you go.
Pool Time
Hotels have to follow state and county guidelines about how their amenities can be used during a pandemic. Be warned, common areas like gyms and spas may be closed. If this is a deal-breaker, make sure to call ahead and check. For pools, certainly in California, hotels have been capping the number of people allowed at one time. They typically do this through a reservation system. Make sure you book your family pool time in advance. You don’t want to check in and find out all the spots have been reserved! Also, be prepared to wear a mask when you are not swimming, eating, or drinking.
Pint Sized Considerations
If your family is anything like mine, you share a room or suite when staying at a hotel. This can mean using the pullout sofa as an additional bed for the kids. Normally I don’t think anything of it but, during this pandemic, I make a point to not use the sofa cushions. Instead, we bring our own pillows, or call down and get fresh ones sent up.
If my kids were still babies, I would likely stay away from using hotel-provided cribs as well. Instead, I would bring my own Pack-n-Play. The same is true for any young kid items that might be available for use at the hotel, such as pool floats and sand toys. Although a sanitizer wipe should alleviate most concerns.
Be Smart
Lastly, remember, no matter where you are staying and what their rules and protocols are, it is always a good idea to follow the latest guidance from the CDC. The truth is, even with vaccines being rolled out, staying masked and six feet away from others is the best course of action until at least 70% of the U.S. population has been immunized. And don’t forget to regularly wash or sanitize your hands!
Happy Travels!
Very helpful ideas!