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I found some really neat gifts for the traveler in your life that I wanted to share with you. Spoiler alert, they’re all on Etsy!
While I am an affiliate and may earn commission from purchases, it’s really not about Etsy as much as the individual makers who use it as a platform to sell their creations.
This summer travel season promises to be a bit wild, as restrictions are lifted and people rush to the places they’ve been longing to go. Although the availability of vaccines has made us collectively safer, the pandemic isn’t over.
With hotels preparing to meet this pent-up demand, what COVID precautions are they continuing to take? Which 2020 policies will become permanent? And what changes should you expect when you return to travel?
Hotel responses to the onset of the pandemic were all over the place. However, as I researched these properties’ current policies, they actually had a lot in common.
Of course, specifics can vary from brand to brand or location to location, but this is an overview of what I’m seeing within the North American hospitality industry now.
The lenient booking policies of last year are as passé as hoarding toilet paper. Before reserving a room, check the fine print for fees and cancellation deadlines.
Hotels have been gradually implementing both high- and low-tech strategies to make checking in more streamlined and safe.
Depending on the property, this may include…
Hotel brands with loyalty points programs are allowing members to stay at their pre-pandemic membership level / status longer and have extended expiration dates for previously-earned points. If you’re still not going to be able to use your points, consider donating them to a charity – perhaps one that helps those affected by COVID-19.
Germ-killing products are freely available in quantities we could only have dreamed of a year ago!
Odds are, you’ll have some combination of the following available at the place where you’re staying:
I reached out to all the hotel chains whose COVID responses I wrote about last year to find out what’s changed since then and what’s likely to continue.
Only two of them responded – neither of which provided details. Perhaps, it all still feels too uncertain and nebulous to say “THIS is what we’re doing.” Or maybe they’re just swamped since things are reopening.
Regardless, I did my own research. Below are any noteworthy updates or ways these brands differ from the pack’s policies.
Some of their brands: BW Premier Collection, Glō, Vīb.
A very nice Best Western PR person responded right away to my inquiry about the company’s COVID policies in 2021, saying she’d try to find answers for me. And then I never heard from her again.
Is it because it of the article where I questioned their policy of not entering guest rooms for 24 to 72 hours after check-out? And referred to the “potential guest grossness”* left for days before being cleaned? I was really just looking for a clarification.
[*By “guest grossness,” I’m thinking of messes people make that do not age well. What if someone leaves behind half-eaten takeout? Or dirty diapers? Or clogs the toilet? Or spills red wine? Or vomits on something? What if someone dies in their room? Does no one know until 1-3 days after the deceased was supposed to have left? I mean, in a way, they did depart. Would that be the ultimate late checkout?]
Checking In: Accessing the Mobile Concierge platform via Best Western’s site allows you to communicate with the hotel before you arrive, at check-in, and during your stay. There’s no app download required.
COVID-19 Outreach: You can donate points to Project C.U.R.E., which supports frontline workers fighting COVID-19.
Some of their brands: Ascend, Comfort, EconoLodge, Quality Inn, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn.
Guest Rooms: If you’re staying awhile, you can expect housekeeping after every third night. Otherwise, you’ll need to specifically request it.
COVID-19 Outreach: Choice Hotels is currently matching rewards points donations to “Stay Home, Send Beds,” a program that provides beds to hospitals facing shortages.
Brands: Motel 6, Studio 6.
Reservations + Cancellations: Although cancellation penalties are no longer waived, they do recommend you call Guest Reservations (800-899-9841) if you need to make a change in your reservation.
COVID-19 Outreach: They participated in the American Hospitality and Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Hospitality for Hope program. This helps the hotel industry connect with health workers struggling to find housing during COVID-19.
Some of their brands: DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Homewood Suites, Waldorf Astoria.
Checking In/Out: Loyalty program members can use the Hilton Honors app for contactless check-in and -out with Digital Key at an increasing number of properties.
Guest Rooms:
COVID-19 Outreach: The Hilton Effect Foundation has awarded over $1 million dollars to community response efforts to help those impacted by COVID-19.
Some of their brands: Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental, Kimpton, Staybridge Suites.
IHG was the only other brand to reply to my inquiry.
Their statement: “We continue to evaluate updated guidance from health authorities and governments around the world and adjust our policies as appropriate and necessary.”
So. No new information there. But at least they wrote back.
Checking In/Out: Reduced contact via their app.
COVID-19 Outreach:
Some of their brands: AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Courtyard, Fairfield, Four Points, Renaissance Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton Hotels and Resort, W Hotels, Westin Hotels.
Checking In:
Common Areas: Using air purifying systems that are effective against viruses in the air and on surfaces.
Some of their brands: Days Inn, Howard Johnson’s, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Ramada, Super 8, Travelodge.
Checking In: Mobile check-in/out available at select hotels through the Wyndham Hotels & Resorts app.
Guest Rooms: More thorough cleaning and disinfecting in guest rooms between stays — with a recommended 24–72 hour rest period between guests checking out and new guests checking in.
COVID-19 Outreach: Everyday Heroes Complimentary GOLD membership upgrade for Wyndham Rewards Members who are essential workers has been extended through June 30, 2021. If you’re not a member, you can sign up for free.
Are you ready for summer travel? What are your plans?
[UPDATE: To see what’s changed in 2021, check out my follow-up article on Hotel Trends as Travel Returns.]
I found myself researching hotels recently, even though I don’t currently have plans to travel farther than the grocery store.
With COVID-19 cases on the rise, I’m certainly not advocating that everyone hit the road. But I know you might need a place to stay due to quarantining, an evacuation, family emergency, essential travel, change in living situation, etc.
So what are hotel brands in the U.S. are doing in the wake of the coronavirus?
Major hotel companies have ramped up their cleaning procedures and are doing an interesting dance in order to let the public know about it. It’s like they want to say “our hotels have always been spotless, but now they’re spotless-er!”
And they probably are, in fact, more spotlesser than ever. Things people are most likely to touch, like door handles and elevator buttons, are getting wiped down and disinfected frequently. Unsanitizable stuff is being taken out of rooms. (Where are they putting all those extra throw pillows and notepads? Are they just tossing them? Are they all in storage somewhere? Listed on eBay?)
Many hotels are either using or looking into using electrostatic spraying / fogging, a technique for disinfecting surfaces by spraying them with positively-charged chemicals. (Yeah, I don’t totally understand it, either, but it’s supposed to be very thorough and good for hard-to-reach spaces.)
A lot of amenities are temporarily suspended for safety reasons. Buffets are out. Workout rooms and pools are on thin ice. Daily housekeeping is becoming more of a DIY situation.
This spring, when everything was suddenly being shut down and postponed, most hotels waived cancellation fees. At this point, however, a lot of those more lenient policies are expiring. So don’t forget to read the fine print when you book!
Keep in mind:
Aiden, BW Premier Collection, BW Signature Collection, Executive Residency, Glō, Sadie, SureStay, Vīb, WorldHotels
Reservations + Cancellations: They had been waiving all cancellation fees until June 30, and then went quiet on the subject. Double check your booking details.
Checking In: Check-in and check-out streamlined to minimize contact (theoretically) using the Best Western Mobile Concierge platform – which I have not been able to find and have no clue how you access.
Common Areas:
Guest Rooms:
On that note, let’s move on to breakfast options….
Dining:
Employee Policies:
Option to Donate Your Reward Points? Yes, to a variety of charitable organizations via their Rewards Redemption Mall.
Ascend, Cambria, Clarion, Comfort, EconoLodge, MainStay Suites, Quality Inn, Rodeway Inn, Sleep Inn, Suburban, WoodSpring Suites
Reservations + Cancellations:
Common Areas:
Guest Rooms: Housekeeping “on demand.” You can request delivery of additional toiletries, towels, linens, or coffee without having a housekeeper enter the room.
Dining: Offering pre-packaged breakfast items instead of buffets at many hotels.
Employee Policies:
COVID-19 Outreach: Special room rates for front line workers, including nurses, doctors, FEMA employees and American Red Cross volunteers.
Individual Choice Hotels have been helping their communities in different ways, for example:
Option to Donate Your Reward Points? Yes.
Motel 6, Studio 6
Reservations + Cancellations: Cancellation penalties were waived for reservations through July 6, but no update since then.
Checking In:
Common Areas:
Guest Rooms:
Employee Policies:
COVID-19 Outreach:
Option to Donate Your Reward Points? Their loyalty program (My6) seems to be discount-based rather than point-based, so I don’t think there’s anything for you to donate!
Canopy, Conrad, Curio, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton, Homewood Suites, Home 2 Suites, LXR, Motto, Tapestry, Tempo, tru, Waldorf Astoria
Reservations + Cancellations:
Checking In: Contactless check-in and check-out with Digital Key (at more than 4,700 properties).
Common Areas:
Guest Rooms:
Dining: Enhancing cleaning and making other changes to buffets, in-room dining, and meeting spaces, in accordance with current food safety recommendations.
Employee Policies: Additional training, protocols, and Personal Protective Equipment.
COVID-19 Outreach:
Option to Donate Your Reward Points? Yes.
Atwell Suites, avid, Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, EVEN, Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental, Kimpton, Regent, Six Senses, Staybridge Suites, voco
Reservations + Cancellations:
Checking In:
Common Areas:
Guest Rooms:
Dining:
COVID-19 Outreach:
Option to Donate Your Reward Points? Yes, to Red Cross / Red Crescent COVID-19 relief fund.
AC Hotels, Aloft Hotels, Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, Courtyard, Delta Hotels, Edition Hotels, Fairfield, Four Points by Sheraton, Gaylord Hotels, JW Marriott Hotels, Le Méridien, The Luxury Collection, Moxy Hotels, Protea Hotels, Renaissance Hotels, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, Sheraton Hotels and Resort, SpringHill Suites, W Hotels, Westin Hotels
Reservations + Cancellations:
Checking In:
Common Areas:
Guest Rooms:
Dining:
Employee Policies:
COVID-19 Outreach:
Option to Donate Your Reward Points?
Yes, to relief organizations that are active in COVID-19, including the American Red Cross, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, UNICEF and World Central Kitchen.
Marriott has also said they’re working on an option for donating points to organizations focused on advancing racial equality and social justice that they will then match.
AmericInn, Baymont Inn & Suites, Days Inn, Dazzler, Dolce Hotels and Resorts, Esplendor Boutique Hotels, Hawthorn Suites, Howard Johnson’s, La Quinta Inns & Suites, Microtel, Ramada, Super 8, Trademark Collection, Travelodge, TRYP, Wingate
Reservations + Cancellations:
Checking In: Disinfecting wipes provided with your keycard.
Common Areas:
Guest Rooms: Complimentary travel-size hand sanitizer for each room.
COVID-19 Outreach:
Option to Donate Your Reward Points? Yes, to preferred charities, many of whom are working to help those affected by COVID-19.
I took any photos requiring travel before the pandemic. The hotel interiors probably look a bit different now!
[Updated 5/14/19.]
People have asked me how to take the Valley Metro light rail in the Phoenix area, so I made a video guide.
However, if you prefer tips in written form, read on!
There’s just one line with 2 directions, Eastbound and Westbound. You can ride anywhere on the line all day for $4.
Westbound train route:
Eastbound trains start at 19th Avenue and Dunlap, retracing basically the same route, heading south and then east and ending at Gilbert Road and Main Street (as of 5/18/19).
To find where to get on and off the train and get schedule information, download a Transit Book, check the Valley Metro website, get the Ridekick app, or try Google Maps. If you don’t want to bother with the schedule, you can just show up. Trains run about every 10-20 minutes until around midnight or 1am.
If there’s not a stop near you, you can drive to one of the 11 Park-and-Ride lots, where there’s free parking for people riding the light rail or bus. You just find a spot, lock your car, and head to the station platform.
You can easily get a pass from a fare vending machine at your stop before you leave.
Follow the prompts on screen to select an all-day pass and activate it immediately. Then pay with cash, credit or debit.
Your pass and receipt print from two different places. Make sure to pick them both up!
While you’re waiting, check the signs to make sure in the right spot for the train going in your direction.
Stations have…
Stations don’t have…
You can bring your own food and beverage in sealed or spill proof containers.
Trains stop at every station. You don’t have to flag them down. If one looks like it’s not stopping, Don’t panic! It’s probably just pulling up farther.
When the train pulls up to the station, it will come to a complete stop, the doors automatically open, and you can step into any car. Find a seat or or a place to stand and hold on to the railing. If you are standing, try to move back away from the doors, so people can easily get on and off.
There’s usually not anyone checking tickets as you get on. It’s kind of on the honor system. Occasionally, though, transit officers in black and white uniforms will come through and check tickets after the train is in motion. Not having one can get you fined up to $500.
Watch and listen for your stop. You can find a route map above some of the doors. And before each stop, a recording will say “approaching station” then the station name and whether you’ll exit the train on the left or right side. The information is also on scrolling LED signs in the middle of the ceiling of each car. Once you arrive, wait for the train to stop and doors to open, and you’re there!
Maybe we’re just anxious first-time pup parents, but learning that the cute pet car seats we’d been eyeing did not meet crash safety standards made us really concerned about keeping a little dog safe in our car.
The solution we found was the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed. It has a smart, safe, multi-functional design that allows small dogs and cats to use it as a car seat, bed, and/or carrier.
The U.S. doesn’t regulate pet seats like kids’ car seats. Companies can make claims about safety that don’t necessarily hold up. I was shocked to learn how often harness buckles, pet seat straps, and other restraining devices break during the impact of a collision.
When I was looking into this, I found the Center for Pet Safety, a non-profit consumer advocacy organization that tests the safety of pet products. They actually put dog travel carriers through the same crash tests as child seats — complete with dog crash dummies! (They do not use any actual live animals in their tests.)
While the Center for Pet Safety does not endorse specific items, they do provide a list of products that have passed their tests and met their standards.
It’s a surprisingly short list.
In fact, Sleepypod was one of only a couple brands of pet travel carriers that made the cut to be CPS Certified.
Because of all this, I was really interested in the Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed. I reached out to the company, and they sent me one I could see firsthand and use for the dog we’d be adopting.
So, when we went to the shelter and ended up bringing home Quijote, the Sleepypod was already in the car. Here’s how it’s worked out since then.
The main way we use our Sleepypod is as a car seat. It buckles into a seatbelt with a shoulder strap with hook-and-loop straps to secure it in place.
It took awhile for Quijote to get used to being inside his Sleepypod. I imagine most dogs would hop right in, but Q is just inexplicably hesitant about certain things. So we took some time to let him explore it at his own pace, and then had lots of “practice” sessions where he’d get treats for being in the Sleepypod.
Now we use it all the time, whether we’re traveling around town or going on a longer trip. It’s how Quijote rode to San Diego!
The bed part is the round base of the carrier – minus its dome top, which completely zips off.
The inside of the bed/car seat base is lined with what the company refers to as “Ultra Plush bedding.” I assumed that “ultra plush” was just a marketing exaggeration, until I actually felt it. They weren’t wrong – it is super soft. It’s also washable. You can unzip it, take it out, and throw it in the washer. (I have. It worked great!)
We used this as a bed for Quijote when we first adopted him. (We later gave in and let him sleep in our bed.) (I know, I know…)
It’s still nice when we’re in an unfamiliar place to give him his own little spot to hang out in.
There’s a handle on the dome top, as well as a removable shoulder strap, if you want to use it to carry your pet outside of the car.
This would work best for calmer cats and dogs. Quijote does not sit still in there, which makes it a bit awkward to carry him that way.
However, it’s nice to have the option, and sometimes it’s worth dealing with him shifting around.
For Quijote’s first vet appointment, I brought him inside the carrier (with the top on), because I wasn’t sure if the waiting room would be full of other animals, and I didn’t want him chasing after anyone.
Also, to take pets on the light rail or bus here in the Phoenix area, they have to be in enclosed containers held on your lap. I haven’t tried it yet, but that’s how Quijote would ride the train.
Because it’s enclosed, riding in the Sleepypod won’t give your dog as good of a view out the window, but it will offer protection in case of a sudden stop or collision. The top is mostly mesh, so there’s plenty of air flow, and the inside is padded, so it should be a pretty comfy place to ride.
Although, honestly, I think Quijote would prefer to be driving.
I received a Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed from the manufacturer without charge in exchange for my honest review.