Hotel Stays in the Time of Covid-19

After a two-month delay returning north from Florida, we decided to head home on June 10. Not the perfect timing since the Coronavirus is spiking all over the place as things open up but it a pretty much now or never. We know that many other people will be considering a road trip this summer. Hotel stays in the time of Covid-19 scared the heck out of me. I did a lot of research and had to change my thinking about hotels as I did my research.

Best Western

They had the best explanation on their website of how Covid-19 was changing their operation. They talked about their new cleaning procedures and also explained how they would deal with breakfast which none of the other chains I checked did. Here is a link to their new cleaning procedures and procedures.

How did they implement them?
No brochures were in the lobby however the rack was right around the corner near the elevator.
The bed still had a decorative pillow and throw.
The book of hotel amenities was right on the desk in the room.

The desk did have plexiglass but the evening clerk was not wearing a mask and he wasn't after when he was sitting out in the room playing with his phone. So, I am not quite sure how to grade them, Right now, C- perhaps. The morning clerk did have a mask hanging on his neck.

Also when I went out at 8:30 am there was no sign of a clerk or a grab and go breakfast and the business section right on the lobby was being used and I suspect not sanitized after as was the help yourself coffee and cold water. I saw only one bottle of sanitizer and it wasn't near the communal ice machine. I asked about breakfast and one was put together for me. Muffins, granola bar, and a bottle of water.

Fairfield Inn and Suites (Marriott)

A very helpful young lady at the desk welcomed us. No mask, no hand sanitizer in sight. I was asked for my license and credit card, no sanitation of cards. Visions of Covid-19 flashed through my head. 

The lobby was clean but everything seemed normal except the breakfast room was blocked off and no breakfast of any type was offered. The sign in the elevator says to maintain a 6-foot distance and if not possible wait for the next elevator. 

I found a lamp behind the couch with a thick layer of dust that was undisturbed so evidently, the switch had not been sanitized and the thermostat had dust on it as well.  Here are Marriott's cleanliness guidelines. 

In the morning I asked about masks, the morning clerk had a mask, she said they were required. I asked about sanitizer, and she said they were waiting for the machines which are hard to find and take longer to get. I don't see why a pump bottle of sanitizer could not be put out but .... it is what it is. I rate Marriott a D in handling coronavirus.

Hyatt Place

Masks on but not pulled up, plexiglass separating the desk clerk, no sanitizer in the lobby or at the elevator. The room seemed clean but there are throw pillows on the sofa and a card with the channels near the TV. They still have a coffee station in the lobby. Talked to the general manager, not able to get the products they need. They are waiting But where does that leave customers?  Hyatt's commitment. 

Hyatt does offer a superior breakfast even at this time. Jimmy Dean egg and ham sandwiches, Oikos Greek yogurt, cold cereal, oatmeal fruit cup, boiled eggs, and juice. For that reason, I am giving them a C but just barely. 

In the lobby, signs tell you not to sit on the furniture for now in this time of coronavirus. 

After three stops at three different brands, I have to say that they talk the talk but they are not walking the walk. Corporate has issued statements but has not provided the help getting the necessary products to make sure you can be safe. I think you have to think long and hard about just what risk level feels comfortable to you. This may not be the best time to take a road trip. 

I chose to stay in rooms as simple as possible to cut down on the amount of cleaning that I would have to do. 

Did I feel safe? No, not really, I brought all my own cleaning products and completely disinfected the room. I brought my own pillows and I sanitized and washed my hands a lot. I sanitized the luggage cart, the door handles, and every surface in the room that we might touch, and I sprayed the bed and pillows. 

Would I travel again anytime soon? Not unless I really had to. Hotel stays in the time of Covid -19 are risky at best. Maybe in a few months when hotels have had the time to get things right it will be better but as of early June 2020, no it isn't there yet. 

Touring Historic Hanover Tavern Hanover, VA.

Hanover Tavern is located across the street from Hanover Courthouse. It was the place where the litigants and their attorneys would have gone to get a little sustenance during a trial. The tavern that sits here today is a combination of a family home and the 1800s tavern connected with a hyphen. The original tavern which was built in the early 18th century was razed and a new one put in its place so while Patrick Henry would not have dinned in the current tavern he might well have visited the Thilman family in their home.

The tavern over its lifetime has had many famous guests including George Washington, General Cornwallis, the Marquis de Lafayette, and Edgar Allen Poe as well as any number of both Confederate and Union generals and soldiers.

You enter the tavern from the rear which is the side that used to face the original road, the road was moved to the other side with the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century. You purchase your ticket and you are given a map and an audio guide. The tour begins on the front porch. You will receive an introduction to not only the tavern but the court complex and stone jail across the street.

In the main hallway of the Thilman home, you will learn about Patrick Henry’s first famous case right across the street at Hanover Courthouse. The current exhibition in the Thilman dining room was being taken down and a new one about the architecture will be taking its place.

13 stops make up the tour and they included the former bar which was also the post office. The Washington Room has a lot of information about transportation and how it affected the tavern and also the refugees who stayed here during the Civil War. In the Thilman Parlor, there is a display that tells you about Gabriel’s Revolt. Some of the Thilman family slaves were involved in the revolt which is why it is featured here.

Today, Hanover Tavern has a dinner theatre, a restaurant, and of course a historic tour. It is a popular venue for events and weddings. A new building is going to be added behind the current one. Allow at least an hour for the tour, more is even better. Plan your visit so that you can have lunch or dinner here, you won’t regret it. Their gift shop has a nice selection of books and made-in Virginia items.

Other places to visit in the area. Patrick Henry's Scotchtown.