Our favorite hotels and resorts to send our travelers to are the ones we trust will take good care of them throughout their stay. Nowadays that means not just anticipating needs and providing great service and amenities, it means keeping them safe. As we’ve been rediscovering America throughout the summer and into the fall, we’ve made note of some properties that are doing just that. It’s another way to take extra special care of guests and ensure their vacations are stress-free. While we eagerly anticipate the return of international travel to far-flung destinations, we’re making our way around the USA in the meantime.
Disney’s Vero Beach Resort in Florida has hand sanitizers all over the public spaces. No more than two people—or one party—are allowed on an elevator at a time. There are sanitizing wipes by the elevator so guests don’t have to touch the buttons. On the beach, guests must reserve chairs and umbrellas, which are set 10 feet apart. At the pool, they only allow people in one party at a time, and guests are escorted to chairs that have been pre-sanitized. In the sit-down dining room, reservations are made ahead and the tables are far apart, and all employees wear masks and gloves. In the fast dining, they monitor how many people come in at once, a cast member serves the fountain drinks, and there is social distance spacing throughout. Masks are required in all public areas.
At the Fairmont Austin and Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt in Texas, anyone coming in the front door has a temperature check. The pools require reservations and masks are required in public areas. Housekeeping services are suspended (except in emergencies or for extended stays) to limit the potential of housekeepers spreading virus from room to room. Hotel Van Zandt has even brought back live music, with masks and reservations required in the club and spread-out tables limited to six patrons.
At all its properties, including the Ritz-Carlton brand, Marriott is using electrostatic sprayers and the highest classification of disinfectants to clean guest rooms. Hand sanitizing stations are set up throughout hotels and resort grounds. Disinfectant wipes are placed in each room as an amenity. At more than 3,000 Marriott properties, contactless check-in, key card access and room service ordering are available via smartphone. Single-use plastic cups are made from plant material in Ritz-Carlton properties.
In collaboration with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, Four Seasons hotels and resorts created the Lead With Care program that includes a hygiene officer at each property, blacklight inspection after cleaning and hourly sanitizing of common areas. Room amenities include face masks, sanitizer spray and wipes. The Four Seasons app and chat feature allow contactless communication with staff. Contactless in-room dining delivery comes in sustainable, single-use packaging.
We want you to have a great time on your getaway, whether it’s close to home or across the country. We’ll never recommend a hotel or resort we don’t believe is doing it’s best to keep you safe, healthy and eager to plan your next adventure.
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