US Hoteliers Pivot To Meet Cities' Proof of Vaccination Rules
City Regulations Force Shift in Hotel Operations, Staffing at Some Hotels
Hoteliers in several U.S. cities have had to quickly adapt to new COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements over the past few weeks.
Across the U.S., city governments have enacted rules requiring people who want to take part in indoor activities, such as dining, going to the gym or attending a performance, to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test before they can enter. Businesses are on the hook for making sure their patrons comply.
Hotel News Now reached out to hoteliers in New York, New Orleans and San Francisco to find out how they have modified their operations and how guests are reacting.Checking Vaccination Status
The Windsor Court Hotel in New Orleans, a city resort with multiple outlets and amenities, requires proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test to check in, General Manager Ralph Mahana said. The requirement covers the entire hotel, which means guests don't have to repeatedly provide proof for use of the pool, fitness center or club lounge. Hotel guests’ room keys have a hologram added to them, turning them into “Windsor Court Passports” and giving them access to the hotel’s amenities.
Guests of the hotel’s tearoom and restaurant, however, do have to show proof of vaccination or a negative test because those areas are open to the general public, Mahana said. While front-desk associates have assumed the additional responsibility, the requirement has has increased staffing needs for the restaurant, he said.
