A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I spent a few nights at a hotel. Not because we were on vacation, but because our home was being fumigated for termites. Since we’re in the middle of a pandemic, we were worried about staying at a hotel. However, we had no other choice. So we booked a room at our local Hilton Hotel. Keep scrolling to read about our experience and what you should expect from your hotel stay during coronavirus.
What to Expect from Your Hotel Stay During Coronavirus
The Hotel’s Social Distancing Protocols
To start, one of our concerns about staying at a hotel during coronavirus was social distancing (or lack of). However, the Hilton had social distancing protocols and posted signs throughout its lobby, hallways, and elevators. Most commonly, some signs reminded guests to practice regular personal hygiene.
Others reminded guests to adopt safe handshake alternatives. My personal favorite was the Vulcan hand gesture.

Additionally, other signs reminded hotel guests of elevator etiquette. Essentially, elevator rides were limited to a maximum of three people at a time.

It may seem excessive to post signs all over the hotel. But it was nice to see constant reminders about social distancing.
Cleanliness of the Hotel and Room

Next, we were concerned about the cleanliness of the hotel room during our stay. Whenever staying at a hotel, I look at the lobby as an indicator of how clean my room will be. The Hilton’s lobby area was clean, pristine, and modern. Along with social distancing signs, there were plenty of hand sanitizer dispensers throughout the lobby.
On the way to our room, the elevator and hallways were also clean. When we entered our hotel room, it felt like any other stay. Although the carpet and ceiling were outdated, the hotel room seemed fine. The bedsheets and bath towels seemed clean enough. I didn’t notice anything bothersome while inspecting them. I never walk around a hotel room barefoot. So my sandals stayed on until I slept or showered.
Every morning, housekeeping came to remove the trash, tidy up, and replace the bath towels. We felt safe about housekeeping because everyone wore gloves and masks.
Level of Comfort with the Hotel Stay

Overall, we felt safe and comfortable with our hotel stay during coronavirus. The hotel staff was friendly and welcoming. For the most part, everyone from staff to guests followed social distancing guidelines. However, some guests didn’t have masks on.
Additionally, we were satisfied with our accommodations. Our hotel room was clean and spotless. For both nights, we ate dinner at the hotel’s restaurant. The food and service were satisfactory. Also, we ordered room service for dessert. I got their mango sorbet, which was delicious.

However, we were not satisfied with some things. For one, the ice machines were out of service to ensure social distancing guidelines. To get ice, we had to go to the lobby and grab it from their freezer. The ice was pre-bagged in 3-pound bags. Also, our hotel room didn’t have a microwave. We had to go down to the lobby and use a communal microwave to warm up our food. The communal microwave caused us to be extra cautious with using it.
All in all, we were happy with our stay. We felt safe and comfortable lodging in a hotel room during coronavirus. There were some downsides to our hotel stay. But if we had to do it again, we’d definitely stay at the Hilton.
Have you had to travel or stay in a hotel during coronavirus?
Let me know about your overall experiences. You can also connect with me on social media.
Maria
What an original and helpful post. We’ve stayed at two hotels since the pandemic first started. We didn’t dare go anywhere when this whole thing started, but towards the end of summer we decided to chance it. We just made sure to stay at a place that had outdoor corridors instead of a huge indoor building. Also, the first time we took our own portable air filter. The second time we weren’t as paranoid. We kept our distance from everyone, and just used common sense. However, during fall & winter we aren’t going anywhere, especially because the numbers have gone up. Ugh…2020 π
https://www.chicnpink.com
Valerie
MariaThat’s a really smart idea to bring a portable air filter! I didn’t think of doing that.
But I plan on doing the same this winter. I won’t even be seeing my parents for Christmas. ?
Hopefully, 2021 is a lot better!
mdrnminimalists
Oooh I have been curious about the hotel scene with the whole COVID pandemic going on. It is great that the staff is taking the extra effort to ensure safety. Glad that your hotel stay was great!! Hopefully people will start becoming more comfortable with hotel staying. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Nancy β¨ mdrnminimalists.com
Valerie
mdrnminimalistsSurprisingly, my hotel experience surpassed my expectations. I was so worried but hotel staff worked to make sure we were all comfortable. I still wouldn’t recommend traveling during a pandemic. But if you had to, it’s not that bad!
Georgina HartG
Aw I love this! Its crazy, before we never would have worried at all about going to a hotel but now you feel like you have no idea what to expect! I really fancy a few day stay cation type think to just feel like I have had some time away from home.
We are still in a full lockdown for the neck couple of weeks but I’m hoping in Jan it might be possible!
https://www.georginahart.co.uk/post/2020-a-year-of-change
Valerie
Georgina HartGHi Georgina,
Thanks for reading and enjoying! A staycation is definitely something we all need right now. Even if it helps us feel like we’ve gone on an actual vacation.
I know the UK has been on lockdown for some time now. I think California will be going on lockdown soon too. Especially after all the holidays. It seems like it’s never going to end!
Angelica
Definitely great to know and ease worries for travel!
XX Angelica
https://eraenvogue.com
Valerie
AngelicaHi Angelica, I’m glad this post made you feel better about traveling! Take care.
Lovely
I’m really glad to know you felt safe and comfortable during your stay. I didn’t get to travel since the pandemic. Thanks for this reassuring post!
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
Valerie
LovelyHi there, I’m so glad this post reassured you! Hopefully this all clears up soon so we can all start traveling again.
Hazel @ Places + Peonies
I hate how the whole covid thing has made me SUPER paranoid about anywhere public. I really need to get away and go on vacation but with a toddler… it feels impossible. This post gave me a bit of hope though!
Valerie
Hazel @ Places + PeoniesI agree! I’ve also been paranoid about being in public because of COVID. However, some things are just inevitable. But I’m glad this post gave you some hope! ?
I also agree! We all need a vacation after everything that happened this year. Have you thought about having a staycation with your toddler?
Hazel @ Places + Peonies
ValerieMy husband has brought it up; but weβre in TX and the stats just keep going up ?
Valerie
Hazel @ Places + PeoniesYes, it’s better to wait and stay safe!