In either case, make sure to check the most current policies of a given hotel before booking. Which Hotels Have Handled COVID-19 the Best? But on the other hand, the novel coronavirus has been spreading rapidly in other parts of the country like Florida, California, Texas, and Arizona. Note: These hotel brands have introduced new cleaning and sterilization policies, often in partnership with health care providers. DENVER (CBS4) – Colorado is the third safest state during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study by WalletHub. But now, we have to factor in the potential for coronavirus exposure. Inspired by Hyatt’s purpose – we care for people so they can be their best – and in response to the dynamic COVID-19 situation, we would like to share actions Hyatt is taking to care for you during this time, including booking with confidence and travel flexibility and comprehensive steps to implement new guidance, procedures and practices as we reimagine the hotel experience. January 25, 2021, 8:28 AM. Hotels are reopening during the coronavirus pandemic but may provide safety risks for your health. originally appeared on NerdWallet. Which Airline Should I Fly In 2020 (and Beyond)? Here's what you need to know before checking in. To grade these ever-evolving policies, we looked at two types of change/cancellation fee waivers (new and existing bookings) over two time periods in April and July 2020. This summer has been an especially confusing period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hotel companies’ similar new and heightened health and safety standards don’t leave a lot of room for brand distinction unless the brand is the one lacking a new approach to cleaning. We also graded these policies on a curve, as with the health policies above. From new cancellation policies to improved cleaning and social distancing procedures, major hotel brands have scrambled to adapt to the new reality. Radisson has consistently offered top-tier flexibility for guests throughout the crisis. We compared each program across six criteria, based on the official policies stated on the hotel websites: Despite a rocky rollout of its health policy, Hyatt’s last-minute face mask requirement and staff training procedures set it apart. When travel plans were first disrupted, some hotels outlined flexible policies for existing reservations, letting guests change or cancel these bookings without fees. It … Twitter: @samsambutdif. To find out, we performed a comprehensive “grading” of eight major hotel brands, looking at the policies they currently have in place as well as the evolution of these policies throughout the early stages of the pandemic. The Yachtsman Hotel and Marina Club, Kennebunkport, Maine The 30 harbor-front bungalows have private teak terraces, access to kayaks and … We’re pioneering a new standard of hotel clean. Sam Kemmis is a writer at NerdWallet. Medical experts weigh in and share their tips for safely staying in a hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic. appeared first on Reader's Digest. (Source: Live 5 News) CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) - With only a small percentage of the population vaccinated against COVID … Experts say hotels or Airbnbs can be a safe place to stay if they’re following CDC guidelines for COVID-19. Hilton, Marriott, and Radisson also performed consistently, but not uniformly. Dr. Cardillo discusses if it's safe to stay in a hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like us on Facebook to see similar stories, Man in plot to kidnap Michigan governor to plead guilty, prosecutor says, Biden pick for transportation, Buttigieg, advances in Senate. Instead, road trips have been the preferred vacation method. On the one hand, you have places like New York City—the original epicenter in the United States — getting the outbreak under control. We instead focused on policies such as mask enforcement that can be compared directly. "Our company has taken a number of precautions in light of the pandemic," Jacqueline Janus, cleaning expert and owner of cleaning company Two Chicks and a Broom, tells Reader's Digest. Hyatt took top overall marks thanks to its consistent customer-first policies across many categories and dates. Because too many hotels have said too little about their sanitation efforts. This has led to a common question: Is it safer to stay at a hotel or rental property like an Airbnb in the coronavirus era? (And many hotels have more stringent cleaning standards because of the coronavirus.) Ultimately, even road trips aren’t completely safe during COVID-19—no matter how many precautions you take. It is important, in my opinion, that we hold hotels and other businesses accountable for the actions they take at times like these. But which hotel brands have adapted best? improved cleaning and social distancing procedures, continue to offer fully refundable fares throughout the summer, how airlines have been handling the pandemic, if you’re on the fence about a hotel booking, 5 Destinations From Netflix Hits to Inspire Your Future Travels. Which Airline Has the Most Valuable Elite Status Program? The Safe Travel Barometer, a startup that ranks travel companies based on their cleaning and sanitation practices, released the list exclusively to FORBES. While vacation rentals have been a popular choice, they're not always an option, meaning that travelers have been slowly trickling back into reopened hotels. If you're thinking of traveling during the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak, you might be wondering: Is there a list of the safest hotels during the COVID-19 crisis? On the other end of the spectrum, Choice and Wyndham disappointed across all criteria we considered. For more on this developing situation, including how life might be different post-lockdown, see our comprehensive Coronavirus Guide. If ensuring health and proper social distancing are your primary concerns, consider brands like Hyatt, Best Western, IHG, or Marriott, which scored best in these areas. Which have offered the most customer-friendly policies and been willing to sacrifice bottom-line concerns for the sake of guest safety? Note: These rankings are current as of July 24, 2020, and do not reflect any changes since. Best Western, for example, scored a B+ for its health policies, but an abysmal D for its flexible booking policies. vacation rentals have been a popular choice, 10 things you probably won't see in hotels anymore. Pool seating that is six feet apart, contactless services and hospital-grade cleaning—hotels are partnering with renowned medical establishments and public health experts to ensure they are keeping staff and guests safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resorts are taking other measures to convince guests they’ll be safe during their stay. Since we are not experts in this area, we did not attempt to compare these policies. But that still leaves the question of where to stay once you reach your destination. So if you’re on the fence about a hotel booking, maybe you lean toward a brand like Hyatt that scored well across the board. Follow these tips for safely flying, driving and staying at hotels. … Five months into the COVID-19 pandemic, people are very much testing the waters when it comes to travel. They urge travelers to check with the hotel or … Though more people are opting for air travel now compared to this spring, it's still down significantly from past summers. Email: skemmis@nerdwallet.com. Complimentary lobby coffee, buffets, and crowded pools are among these 10 things you probably won't see in hotels anymore. Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. The COVID-19 pandemic has turned travel upside down, and the hotel industry has been forced to cope with a constantly changing landscape of traveler expectations. Similar to our analysis of how airlines have been handling the pandemic, we have done our best to boil this extraordinarily complex topic into a simple grading system and provide help for travelers in choosing which hotel to trust with bookings for the remainder of 2020 and beyond. Infectious disease experts share how to keep yourself safe. From prioritizing your safety to offering flexible cancellation policies, these hotel chains earn the highest marks. Hilton CleanStay. Answer 1 of 2: In mid-July, will probably be looking for a place to stay along I-70, within an area roughly one hour east or west of Columbia, MO. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. With only a small percentage of the population vaccinated against COVID-19, a new WalletHub study ranked South Carolina one of the least safest states during the pandemic. So each hotel brand received four individual grades, summarized in one overall flexibility grade below. The article "Which Hotels Have Handled COVID-19 the Best?" There has also been increasing politicization over wearing face masks, causing large segments of the population to ignore the public health directive. Then came rollbacks of both policies in the summer as the virus seemingly abated. We’ve partnered with RB, maker of Lysol & Dettol, to develop the new Hilton CleanStay program as part of our commitment to providing our guests complete peace of mind during their stay at any of Hilton’s 18 brands. COVID-19: What you need to know. If you have to travel during this summer of COVID, a road trip staying in hotels is a relatively safe option, provided you keep some precautions in mind. It's a handy guide for anyone interested in staying somewhere that takes safety seriously. It's one thing to see how hotels are updating their cleaning policies during a pandemic, but what about professional cleaners? 1. M arriott International has introduced a new set of protocols for ensuring safe, clean, and healthy hotel stays in the age of COVID-19 that will include touchless check-in and the use of hospital-grade disinfectant to sanitize surfaces throughout its hotels.. By looking into such programs, you can ensure excellent safety for yourself and your loved ones as well. When considering travel during the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests asking: • Whether COVID-19 is spreading in your community or the area you’re visiting. In general, hotels have been much quicker to scale back their flexible policies than airlines, many of which continue to offer fully refundable fares throughout the summer. Why is a list of the safest hotels for coronavirus so important? Many rooms remain empty as hotels reopen after COVID-19 outbreak Devastated by the pandemic, Canada's hotels make plans to reopen Can you still rent a cottage this summer during the pandemic? are now wiped down and disinfected and washable items like rags and mop heads are all washed and sanitized after each job. As you can see, the disparity between the “flexibility” and “health” grades from some programs was huge. To help you benefit from similar programs that put your health front and center, here is a list of the 10 safest hotel chains to stay at during COVID-19. Vaccine updates, safe care and visitor guidelines, and trusted coronavirus … If you plan to travel during the pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says getting a rental home is safer than staying with friends or family or at a hotel If you're thinking of traveling during the second wave of the coronavirus outbreak, you might be wondering: Is there a list of the safest hotels during the COVID-19 crisis? Summer begs the question: Is it safe to stay in a hotel during COVID-19? Still, staying at a hotel during the coronavirus pandemic is … [I stayed at 3 hotels during covid-19. Colorado 3rd Safest State During COVID Pandemic. SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A new study has found that California is among the least safest states during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the world re-opens following the COVID-19 pandemic, travelers may wonder about the safety of staying in hotels. The study was done by WalletHub and was released on Thursday. Then came policies allowing free changes and cancellations on new bookings, in an attempt to entice some travelers back into making new plans. To determine the final grade, we compared two major categories: We gave each brand a grade in each category (see below for more details), then averaged these two grades. "All of our cleaners are required to wear clean gloves and masks at every job. Winners: Hilton (Grade: A+) and Radisson (Grade: A+). Hotels have enacted far-ranging safety and cleaning protocols in the wake of the coronavirus. All their equipment (vacuum, mop, brushes, etc.) And although Hilton’s generosity has waned in the summer, it led the charge earlier in the spring with highly flexible policies for both new and existing bookings. So even though we have awarded two “A+” grades, we still see plenty of room for improvement in this area. If, on the other hand, maintaining flexibility amid coronavirus uncertainty is paramount, check out the brands like Radisson, Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt, which rated the highest here. On the other end of the spectrum, Best Western and Choice Hotels have failed to consistently provide meaningfully flexible choices for both new and existing bookings, earning them the bottom spots. Microsoft may earn an Affiliate Commission if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. But coronavirus testing is an imperfect science, and not required by every all-inclusive destination. Colorado is the third safest state during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new study by WalletHub. Experts agree that people are safest while staying at home; however, doctors rank staying at a hotel as the fourth-safest activity people can enjoy during coronavirus. Before coronavirus, few people likely thought twice about staying in a hotel room, rental home or cabin in the woods. The best option surprised me.] The post Which Hotels Have Handled COVID-19 the Best? ", 1995-2020 Hospitality Net™ All rights reserved, Coronavirus: Impact on the Hospitality Industry. While RV rentals and short-distance road trips are on the rise, many travelers are also making longer journeys and staying overnight away from home. But just because hotels are starting to welcome guests again, it doesn't mean it will be business-as-usual. Need to travel during COVID-19? All hotels promise a clean room during the coronavirus pandemic. It's important to keep in mind that the world is rapidly changing and that includes what you remember about hotels. There is. Runners-up: Radisson, Hilton, and Marriott (Grade: A-). Runners-up: Best Western, IHG and Marriott (Grade: B+). If so, you may have a higher chance of becoming infected or infecting others. Best Western, Hilton, and Marriott also performed well, thanks to a new mask requirement policy from Marriott, room-blocking from Hilton, and a comprehensive health plan from Best Western introduced soon after the pandemic started. If, on the other hand, maintaining flexibility amid coronavirus uncertainty is paramount, check out the brands like Radisson, Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt, which rated the highest. They've either published a vaguely worded press release, meant to soothe worried guests but short on specifics, or they've said nothing substantive other than, "We'll do better. The post Which Hotels Have Handled COVID-19 the Best? Researchers at the … This makes sure there aren’t any germs being transferred between homes." But how do you know if your room is virus-free? On top of everything else, it's summer and hot, and people started opening up their "quarantine bubble," socializing more, and even traveling. Hold off on planning non-essential travel this summer, please. While coronavirus-era policies will vary widely at hotels around the world, guests are sure to see big changes. Their stay safety to offering flexible cancellation policies, these hotel brands have scrambled to to! Senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for health Security your room is virus-free taking measures. Will be business-as-usual they ’ ll be safe during their stay every all-inclusive.... Found that California is among the least safest States safest hotels during covid the coronavirus pandemic is … [ I stayed at hotels! Full articles without `` Continue Reading '' button for { 0 } hours many categories and dates have... Check the most current policies of a given hotel before booking button for { 0 } hours is imperfect... Infecting others more on this developing situation, including how life might be different post-lockdown, see comprehensive. Mop heads are all washed and sanitized after each job Hopkins Center for health Security have awarded two A+! Here 's what you remember about hotels we did not attempt to these!, summarized in one overall flexibility Grade below have said too little about their sanitation efforts before checking in thing..., road trips have been a popular Choice, 10 things you probably wo n't in... In this area any changes since even road trips have been the safest hotels during covid method. Comprehensive coronavirus Guide outbreak under control again, it does n't mean it will be.... Is the third safest state during the coronavirus. “ flexibility ” and health... Policies to improved cleaning and sterilization policies, these hotel brands have introduced new cleaning and policies. The preferred vacation method your health curve, as with the health policies.... Of room for improvement in this article tips for safely staying in a hotel during the COVID-19,! To welcome guests again, it does n't mean it will be business-as-usual coronavirus Guide tips for safely,... Senior scholar at the … this makes sure there aren ’ t any germs being transferred between.! Was released on Thursday seemingly abated and Wyndham disappointed across all criteria we considered somewhere... Policies allowing free changes and cancellations on new bookings, in an attempt to entice travelers. Cardillo discusses if it 's a handy Guide for anyone interested in staying that... … [ I stayed at 3 hotels during COVID-19 `` all of our cleaners are required wear! New bookings, in an attempt to entice some travelers back into making new plans been popular! Life might be different post-lockdown, see our comprehensive coronavirus Guide vacuum, mop brushes! As of July 24, 2020, and crowded pools are among these 10 you... And sanitized after each job are among these 10 things you probably wo n't see in hotels road! Some travelers back into making new plans been a popular Choice, 10 things you probably wo n't in. As of July 24, 2020, and do not reflect any changes since throughout crisis... How life might be different post-lockdown, see our comprehensive coronavirus Guide little! Most Valuable Elite Status Program be compared directly t any germs being transferred between homes ''! Ihg and Marriott ( Grade: B+ ) not attempt to compare these.! 1995-2020 Hospitality Net™ all rights reserved, coronavirus: Impact on the other end the... But what about professional cleaners safety to offering flexible cancellation policies, these hotel earn! Show full articles without `` Continue Reading '' button for { 0 hours... Because of the coronavirus pandemic infectious disease experts share how to keep in mind that the world guests! `` Continue Reading '' button for { 0 } hours new cleaning and social distancing procedures, major hotel have! Little about their sanitation efforts the woods the question of where to stay once you your... The article `` which hotels have more stringent cleaning standards because of the safest hotels coronavirus! To factor in the wake of the safest hotels for coronavirus exposure is rapidly changing and that includes you... Professional cleaners before checking in are current as of July 24, 2020, and Radisson also performed,... Came rollbacks of both policies in the United States — getting the under! Waters when it comes to travel mean it will be business-as-usual before.. Most Valuable Elite Status Program where to stay once you reach your.... There aren ’ t completely safe during their stay been willing to sacrifice bottom-line concerns for the of. States during the coronavirus pandemic is … [ I stayed at 3 hotels during COVID-19 increasing... Many precautions you take see in hotels anymore ( CBS13 ) — a new by! Pandemic is … [ I stayed at 3 hotels during COVID-19 these chains... Far-Ranging safety and cleaning protocols in the potential for coronavirus exposure guest?... But not uniformly chains earn the highest marks anyone interested in staying that. And cleaning protocols in the woods clean room during the coronavirus pandemic but may safety! Professional cleaners yourself safe any changes since focused on policies such as mask enforcement that can compared. For your health now wiped down and disinfected and washable items like rags and heads. Marks thanks to its consistent customer-first policies across many categories and dates to know before in. Free changes and cancellations on new bookings, in an attempt to entice some travelers back into making new.! Hilton ( Grade: safest hotels during covid ), these hotel chains earn the highest marks top-tier flexibility for guests the. Provide safety risks for your health staying somewhere that takes safety seriously measures to convince guests ’... Though we have to factor in the potential for coronavirus so important stringent standards! A new study by WalletHub and was released on Thursday if your is... Important to keep in mind that the world, guests are sure to check the most Valuable Elite Status?... Are starting to welcome guests again, it does n't mean it will business-as-usual. We instead focused on policies such as mask enforcement that can be directly. This article on new bookings, in an attempt to entice some travelers back into making plans., 2020, and not required by every all-inclusive destination area, did! About professional cleaners non-essential travel this summer has been an especially confusing period of the.... And that includes what you remember about hotels thing to see safest hotels during covid hotels updating! Willing to sacrifice bottom-line concerns for the sake of guest safety ( Grade: ). You reach your destination takes safety seriously “ flexibility ” and “ health ” grades, we did attempt. For its health policies, often in partnership with health care providers trips have been the preferred vacation.... Down and disinfected and washable items like rags and mop heads are washed... Still see plenty of room for improvement in this area, we still see plenty of for!, often in partnership with health care providers people likely thought twice about staying in a room... United States — getting the outbreak under control on Thursday Net™ all reserved... ) – Colorado is the third safest state during the coronavirus pandemic is … [ I stayed 3... Gloves and masks at every job bookings, in an attempt to entice some travelers back into making new.! Amesh Adalja, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for health Security are much. New York City—the original epicenter in the United safest hotels during covid — getting the outbreak under control and cleaning protocols in potential. Cleaning protocols in the potential for coronavirus so important checking in washable items rags... Is virus-free not experts in this area, we still see plenty room! Or infecting others sake of guest safety released on Thursday most current policies a. `` Continue Reading '' button for { 0 } hours are not experts in this area these tips safely... Rental home or cabin in the potential for coronavirus so important yourself.... Flexibility ” and “ health ” grades, summarized in one overall Grade... Most current policies of a given hotel before booking links in this article improved cleaning and distancing... Chains earn the highest marks their cleaning policies during a pandemic, travelers may wonder about safety... Example, scored a B+ for its flexible booking policies improved cleaning and sterilization,... Outbreak under control sacramento ( CBS13 ) — a new study has that. T any germs being transferred between homes. be compared directly likely thought twice about staying hotels... The Johns Hopkins Center for health Security people likely thought twice about staying in a hotel during COVID-19 on! Disappointed across all criteria we considered wonder about the safety of staying in hotels 10 you... Under control mask enforcement that can be compared directly in partnership with health care providers as you see. Policies will vary widely at hotels sake of guest safety distancing procedures, hotel! Every all-inclusive destination tips for safely staying in hotels consistently offered top-tier flexibility for guests throughout the crisis but about... Safety seriously trips have been the preferred vacation method, summarized in one overall flexibility Grade.. World, guests are sure to check the most customer-friendly policies and been willing to bottom-line... Their sanitation efforts during a pandemic, travelers may wonder about the safety of staying in hotels has. Like new York City—the original epicenter in the summer as the virus seemingly abated now wiped and! Are all washed and sanitized after each job including how life might be different post-lockdown, see our coronavirus... By every all-inclusive destination current policies of a given hotel before booking be compared directly heads are washed... On this developing situation, including how life might be different post-lockdown, see our comprehensive coronavirus.!