Are Hotels Open? Where To Stay During COVID-19

A season usually marked by long, sunny days and cherished time with friends and family will likely look different this year due to Coronavirus-related travel restrictions. Even so, after several months of staying indoors, people are beginning to plan fun getaways that cater to their level of travel comfort. This lends itself to the question — are hotels open? The short answer: yes. Hotels are considered essential and most are open now. Some hotels, however, have either closed partially (e.g. no dining, pool, or spa services) or closed entirely for varying amounts of time.

Whether you already have travel booked or are considering future travel, we recommend keeping up to date on hotel availability by checking our property pages for details on specific hotels. Before you pack up the suitcases for some much-needed R&R, here are a few things to keep in mind.

What hotels are doing to clean

As you start to plan your summer travels, you’ll want the peace of mind knowing your hotel is sanitized and disinfected. Open hotels are including hygiene and social distancing measures to ensure they keep their guests’ safety in mind. The American Hotel and Lodging Association has created guidelines outlining best practices for employee training, notifications of COVID-19 cases, cleaning methods for communal areas, and other recommendations.

Here are some of the standard policies being adopted by both major hotel groups and smaller boutique hotels.

Frequent disinfecting

High touch areas like door handles and elevator buttons are constantly being wiped down by specially trained staff. Some hotels are even turning to electrostatic sprayers in guest rooms and ultraviolet light technology for sanitizing room keys.

Contactless check-in/checkout

We already use our phones for everything, and now you can add checking in and out of your room to the list. This eliminates the face-to-face contact you’d otherwise need to begin and end your stay. Many hotels are also implementing keyless entry and online room service ordering from your phone as well.

Hand sanitizer stations

As a promise of a new level of cleanliness, you can expect to see hand sanitizer available in many hotel common areas. However, it’s always a good idea to bring your own — just in case.

New space configurations

Many hotels are rearranging furniture in common areas to promote social distancing. Services like valet, buffet dining, and spa treatments may also be suspended to avoid unnecessary contact during your stay.

Food service

Many brands have closed or limited buffet-style food services, added sneeze/cough guards, and required all food handlers to wear masks. Others are utilizing more prepackaged food to remove the step of food preparation. For room service, traditional delivery has been made contactless in many properties.

If you’re still uneasy about a stay out of the house, consider booking a room with a kitchenette to avoid going out to eat. If you do venture out, don’t forget to bring hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes, masks, and anything else you may need to protect yourself and your family from unwanted germs. While you’re out, many hotels are offering on-demand room cleaning if you’re concerned about the cleanliness of the room.

Other accommodation and places to stay

Hotels aren’t your only option when planning a summer trip during the Coronavirus restrictions. Depending on your destination and group size, there are plenty of accommodations to make your vacation unforgettable while keeping any necessary precautions in mind.

Extended stay hotels for quarantining

As communities loosen rules on social distancing, it may be a good time to get out of the house for a while. Extended stays offer all the perks of being at home but in a location of your choosing. From beachfront to the countryside to mountains, extended stays are becoming increasingly attractive to those who need a break from the same four walls. And with many work from home policies giving people the opportunity to work from anywhere with an internet connection, why not extend your getaway for a month or two?

Vacation rentals to maintain social distance

Summer without a vacation is like a beach without sand. As city dwellers become antsy after months of sheltering in place, the U.S. is seeing people pack their bags and hit the road in droves. And while we can’t exactly throw caution to the wind just yet, vacation rentals serve as the perfect opportunity to get away while still remaining socially distant. Staying in a rental eliminates crowds and gives you control over who comes in and out of the house. Aside from plenty of options in major tourist destinations, those eager for open spaces can find these types of rentals near national parks, beach towns, and mountain villages too.

Secluded cabins

If you’re looking for a place to stay in nature, look no further than a cabin. Known for their idyllic settings, cabins are found in all sorts of interesting places — like nestled in forested hills or adjacent to a glimmering lake with stunning views. Their inviting atmosphere offers the tranquility you’re looking for along with plenty of amenities like hot tubs, kitchens, and porches to take in the sunset. From small and cozy spaces to luxury chalets with elegant designs, there’s something for every kind of nature enthusiast.

Remember, many destinations have COVID-19 travel restrictions still in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. Be sure to check any national, local, and health advisories before you book.

Are Hotels Open? Where To Stay During COVID-19

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.