When will Hotels Begin to Reopen for Meeting & Events Post Covid-19?

The COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the travel and hospitality industry and shaken businesses across the world. Many hotels had to temporarily shut down to prevent the further spread of the virus, resulting in occupancy rates dipping into the single digits across the country. According to the AHLA, U.S. hotels lost $31B in room revenue, and 7.7M people lost their jobs in April.

Source: AHLA

The hotel industry is finally beginning to rebound after more than two months of empty rooms, closures, and travel restrictions. According to insights gathered by hospitality data intelligence provider STR, U.S. hotel occupancy rates are showing a small rise compared to previous weeks.

Source: STR

Reopening Begins

Hotels are starting to gradually reopen post-pandemic outbreak under new safety standards, such as allowing fewer customers, requiring workers and customers to wear masks, and enforcing social distancing. With many state and federal governments advising against large gatherings, hotels such as Marriott Hotels & Resorts have made commitments to cleanness and reducing guest and meeting room capacities to adhere to social distancing protocols.

Although many restrictions remain in place across the country, the U.S. economy is showing signs of life after one of the most significant slumps in history, and Americans are gaining a sense of normalcy. Below you will find a breakdown of which cities and hotels are starting to reopen in the U.S so that you can plan for your upcoming meeting and events.

Which States are Reopening

Nevada

As part of phase two of his reopening roadmap, Gov. Steve Sisolak approved the reopening of Nevada’s casino hotels on June 4th. Phase two is currently in place until June 30 as the state continues to monitor data and evaluate trends and progress. This phase allows for the restricted opening of more outdoor spaces and businesses and increasing public and private gatherings to no more than 50 people. The state will continue to practice social distancing, keeping six feet of space in between individuals, wear face coverings when going out, and limiting unnecessary social interactions. Check out some of the top hotels for your next meeting or event:

• The Westin Hotel & Resort
• MGM Grand
• Caesars Palace
• Wynn Resorts
• The Cosmopolitan

New York

New York City is on track to enter Phase two of the state’s four-phase reopening plan on today June 22nd, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said at his daily news briefing last week. Phase two eases several limitations meant to help slow the coronavirus outbreak. It allows outdoor dining at restaurants and bars, and some in-store shopping. After months of letting their hair grow New Yorkers will be delighted to hear that hair salons and barbershops will also reopen during phase two. That being said, Gov. Cuomo emphasized the need to continue to wear masks and maintain social distancing to prevent a spike in new coronavirus cases. Check out some of the top hotels for your next meeting or event:

• Crowne Plaza Time Square
• 3 West Club
• New York Marriott at the Brooklyn Bridge
• New York Marriott Marquis
• Park Central Hotel New York

California

California was the first state in the nation to issue all residents to stay at home starting March 19. Gov. Gavin Newsome moved the state into stage 2 of its reopening roadmap on May 8, where retail, related logistics and manufacturing, office workplaces, limited personal services, outdoor museums, childcare, and essential businesses can open with modifications. Check out some of the top hotels for your next meeting or event:

• Hotel Del Coronado
• Grand Hyatt San Francisco
• Hotel Vitale
• The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites
• Loews Hollywood Hotel

Florida

Gov. Ron DeSantis announced on June 5^th that phase two of Florida’s recovery plan will go into effect for all Florida counties except Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach. Phase two is the second of a three-step process, where bars, movie theaters, concert houses, bowling alleys and arcades will reopen at 50 percent indoor capacity, with “appropriate social distancing between groups” and “appropriate sanitation.” Full outdoor seating is permitted as well, with social distancing. Stadiums and other sports venues are closed for now and would most likely reopen under Phase 3. Lastly, state universities are expected to announce their plans on June 23. Check out some of the top hotels for your next meeting or event:

• Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort
• Acqualina Resort & Residences on the Beach
• Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa
• The Setai
• The Pearl Hotel

District of Columbia

Gov. Muriel Bowser lifted the district’s stay-at-home order on May 29th. Washington D.C. is expecting to start phase two reopening on June 22nd if trends hold, which will ease many restrictions that are currently in place. Limitations on indoor dining, places of worship, nail salons, playgrounds and more will be loosened under phase two. Gatherings of up to 50 people will be also be permitted in this phase.

• Marriott Marquis
• Hay-Adams
• AKA White House
• Grand Hyatt 
• One Washington Circle Hotel

Meeting and events affect more than just the attendees, organizers and staff; it’s the people who work at your venue, for your vendors, in the travel and hospitality industries and even those in your event city are all impacted by the decisions you make about your next meeting or event. As states begin lifting travel restrictions, a growing number of hotels are welcoming guests back with new safety standards and restrictions in place. Just remember to remain calm, communicate with your stakeholders, and remember that health and safety is at the heart of dealing with the coronavirus outbreak.